Pompeii always provides surprises. Excavations have now uncovered a large bath complex in an ancient house, which was attached to a banquet hall. The new find offers fascinating insights into the culture, luxury and daily life of that time.
The complex is, according to archaeologists, one of the largest and best preserved private bath sectors yet uncovered in Pompeian houses. Only a few other examples of this size can be found in Pompeii, the director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, Gabrielschikriegel, said in a press release.
The house was probably a stage for lavish banquets
The direct connection of the baths with a large social hall suggests that the Roman house functioned as a stage for lavish banquets, which fulfilled an important function in the society of the time. Banquets were important opportunities for homeowners to secure the approval of guests, promote friends or relatives, or simply assert their social status.
Owner strives for the good will of his guests
“This is an example of how the Roman domus (Roman mansion, ed.) functioned as a stage for art and culture, which the owner showed off to win votes or maintain the goodwill of the guests,” reports Sighighriegel.
The baths, consisting of a calidarium, tepidarium, frigidarium (warm, hot and cold room) and changing room (apodyterium), can accommodate up to 30 people. The cold hall is impressive, consisting of a colonnade – a courtyard with pillars measuring ten by ten meters (pictured above), with a large swimming pool in the center.
Representative complex of a wealthy family
The house was located in the southern part of “Insula 10” and must have belonged to an important figure in local society. The painted walls show that the house had an important history. “The owners of this house must have belonged to the elite of the city and therefore felt the need to furnish a space for countless people, to whom they offered rich banquets and the opportunity to bathe and relax in the baths ”, saysziëgel.
More than 13,000 rooms in 1,070 residential units have already been discovered in Pompeii, as well as public and sacred spaces. The old city was located at the foot of the volcano Vesuvius. During eruptions in 79 AD, ash, mud and lava buried the settlements and the city was partially preserved.
Pompeii was rediscovered in the 18th century. The excavation site, where sensational finds are repeatedly unearthed, is one of the most popular sights in Italy.
Source: Krone
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