Archaeologists Uncover Vast Private Bathhouse in Pompeii

The once-in-a-century find highlights the stark contrasts between the lives of Pompeii’s elite and their enslaved workers.

A newly unearthed private bathhouse in Pompeii is believed to be one of the largest ever discovered in the ancient city, showcasing the immense wealth of its owner, Aulus Rustius Verus.
The bathhouse includes hot, warm, and cold rooms, a plunge pool, and ornate decorations, with its design emphasizing luxury and social status in ancient Roman society.
Archaeologists noted the sharp divide between the opulent spaces used by the elite and the grueling conditions endured by slaves who maintained the bathhouse's heating system.
The residence also featured a banquet hall with black walls and intricate frescoes depicting scenes from Greek mythology, further emphasizing its owner's cultural aspirations and political ambitions.
This discovery is part of ongoing excavations in Pompeii, where one-third of the city remains buried, leaving archaeologists optimistic about uncovering more insights into Roman life.