Uncover the opulent world of ancient Pompeii’s most spectacular bathhouse, a ‘once-in-a-century’ discovery that reveals the lives of its elite inhabitants and the darker side of Roman luxury.
A Glimpse into Ancient Luxury: The Spectacular Bathhouse of Pompeii
The long-buried ruins of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii have yielded a “once-in-a-century” discovery that offers a glimpse into the spectacular luxury of its inhabitants. A sumptuous private bathhouse, complete with hot, warm, and cold rooms, exquisite artwork, and a massive plunge pool, has been unearthed in the heart of a grand residence.
Unveiling the Pompeii Effect
Dr. Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, describes the bathhouse as “part of the ‘Pompeii effect’ – it’s almost as if the people had only left a minute ago.” This phenomenon is a testament to the city’s tragic fate, which was sealed when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD79.
The bathhouse changing room features vibrant red walls, a mosaic floor, and stone benches. Analysis of two skeletons discovered in the house revealed the horror faced by Pompeii’s inhabitants during the eruption. The bodies belonged to a woman aged between 35 and 50, clutching jewellery and coins, and a younger man in his teens or early 20s.
The woman was found curled up in a foetal position, while the male skeleton showed signs of wear and tear, suggesting he was of lower status, possibly even a slave. The analysis also revealed that despite his young age, the male’s bones had signs of wear and tear, indicating he was of lower status.
A Glimpse into Ancient Roman Life
The bathhouse is thought to have belonged to one wealthy individual, possibly Aulus Rustius Verus, an influential Pompeii politician. The discovery of the bathhouse confirms his elite status, as only a few houses in Pompeii featured such a complex.
Those lucky enough to use the bathing suite would have undressed in a changing room with vibrant red walls and a mosaic floor dotted with geometric patterns inlaid with marble from across the Roman Empire. They would then head to the hot room, taking a dip in a bath and enjoying the sauna-like warmth, provided by a suspended floor that allowed hot air to flow underneath.
Next, they would move to the brightly-painted warm room, where oil would be rubbed into the skin, before being scraped off with a curved instrument called a strigil. Finally, they would enter the largest and most spectacular room of all – the frigidarium, or cold room. Surrounded by red columns and frescoes of athletes, a visitor could cool off in the plunge pool, which is so large that 20-30 people could fit in it.
A Window into Ancient Trauma
The bathhouse is not just a testament to ancient Roman luxury but also provides a glimpse into the darker side of life during that time. The stark contrast between the lives of slaves and the wealthy is evident in the design of the residence, with a furnace room where slaves would be feeding the fire all day.
A wall separating the two areas serves as a poignant reminder of the stark divide between the haves and have-nots. Dr. Sophie Hay describes the discovery as “a once-in-a-century find” that sheds more light on this darker side of Roman life.
A Legacy to be Shared
The excavation, led by Dr. Anna Onesti, director of the excavation, is nearing its final weeks. However, new discoveries continue to emerge from the ash, and limited numbers of visitors are allowed to visit the dig while it’s ongoing.
As the excavation nears completion, it will be fully opened to the public, offering a unique opportunity for people to experience the life and luxury of ancient Pompeii firsthand.
