“Unearthed Treasures: A Stunning Thermal Spa in Pompeii Reveals Secrets of Ancient Indulgence for 30!”
Pompeii Archeological Park Press OfficeThe bath complex was built to entertain — and awe — the host’s guests.
“The grateful, hungry public would have applauded the show put on by the owner of the house with sincere admiration,” continued Zuchtriegel, “and it would have become a conversation topic long after the evening spent in his ‘gymnasium.’”
As such, the bath complex captures what life was like for a slice of Pompeii’s citizens. The host and his wealthy guests very likely used the baths to relax, gossip, and enjoy an evening of food and drink. Not all people in Pompeii had access to such luxury. Other discoveries near the home — like a prison bakery where enslaved workers once toiled — show how diverse Pompeii’s citizens were.
Rich or poor, many of them died when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 C.E., burying the city in ash and effectively freezing it in time. The infamous eruption captured many facets of Pompeii life, from opulent villas to workshops and restaurants, creating an incredible historical mosaic of diverse lives that we’re still uncovering to this day.
After reading about the luxurious bath complex discovered at a Pompeii villa, look through these gut-wrenching photos of Pompeii bodies frozen in time. Or, discover the surprisingly raunchy story of ancient Pompeii graffiti.
