Luxurious Echoes of Pompeii: Ancient Spas Among the Elite

The archaeologists who have recently uncovered a private bathing facility in an opulent villa within the ancient city of Pompeii remain uncertain about its original owner. However, they are aware that the proprietor intended to impress his visitors.

Capable of accommodating 30 individuals, the comprehensive complex — featuring a calidarium, tepidarium, and frigidarium, or hot, warm, and cold baths — was linked to an elegantly adorned dining hall where guests would have been entertained by their host post-bath.

In Pompeii, private bathing facilities of this magnitude seem to be uncommon. “Not everyone had access to this level of opulence,” Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, remarked on Friday.

The announcement of the finding was released in the digital journal of the archaeological site. It stands as one of the most extensive private bath complexes unearthed at Pompeii, which was enveloped by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79.

The bathing facility was uncovered during the excavation of one insula, comparable to a city block, that commenced in the spring of 2023 as part of a long-term initiative aimed at enhancing the preservation of the ancient site. This project entails reinforcing the boundary between the excavated and unexcavated sections of the city, some of which still lie beneath the surface.

The unveiling of the villa’s dining area, embellished with panels depicting mythological figures inspired by the Trojan War, was announced last year.

Concealed beneath layers of ash, stones, and lava debris that ultimately contributed to the site’s preservation, Pompeii has evolved into a representation of nature’s might and the vulnerability of humanity. Since 1748, when initial excavations began, the site has provided numerous archaeologists and historians with a window into the lives of the inhabitants of this ancient metropolis—ranging from their culinary habits to the tools they utilized and the conditions they lived in, influenced by their social standing.

In this instance, archaeologists surmise that the villa’s owner belonged to the esteemed class of the city. Therefore, he likely used his home spa to dazzle his guests, particularly those from less wealthy backgrounds.

Invitations to enjoy the baths would have been extended for various motives, Dr. Zuchtriegel indicated. The owner might have sought votes for himself or his associates, sealed business agreements, or simply desired to display his social rank, he explained. Alternatively, the owner may have acted in a manner akin to a “C.E.O. of a significant corporation,” creating what we would term today as a team-building event, Dr. Zuchtriegel noted in a telephone conversation.

The dip-and-dine occasions would have been particularly treasured during winter, he added.

“We frequently envision the Roman world as a radiant place,” Dr. Zuchtriegel shared, where “individuals wandered about in sandals and short tunics. Yet, they experienced winter as well.” Thus, visiting the baths often signified “warming up on a chilly winter day,” he continued.

Once the area has undergone restoration, it will be accessible to the public. However, Dr. Zuchtriegel stated that the excavation efforts on the villa would not advance significantly.

Experiencing the partial excavation is akin to reading a book halfway through, he remarked, adding, “We aspire to comprehend the entire narrative.” Yet there are already numerous excavated segments of Pompeii that require “protection and preservation,” Dr. Zuchtriegel emphasized, making it potentially irresponsible to embark on new projects “without extensive contemplation.”

“Each time we reach these decisions, we genuinely strive to think through and assess meticulously whether to proceed with further excavations,” he noted.