Recently, archaeologists uncovered the ancient city of Pompeii, preserved under volcanic ash for around 2,000 years.
The discovery of a massive private bathhouse, believed to be the largest in the city, by an international team of experts has shed new light on Pompeii’s reputation for innovation and wealth.
The baths included hot and cold rooms, intricate artworks, a large pool, and the capacity for up to 30 people, along with workers on site.
Within a small room, the remains of two individuals – a male slave and a high-status woman – were found.
Dr. Sophie Hay, an archaeologist working at the excavation site, stated, “This site truly brings the past to life, revealing the stark disparities in Roman lifestyles within these ruins.”
In addition to the baths, a complete block of Pompeii was unveiled, featuring a grand house with direct access to a laundry, bakery, and bathhouse, all likely belonging to wealthy politician Aulus Rustius Verus.
The direct connection between the bathhouse and the house suggests it was a venue for private gatherings, a luxury reserved for the affluent in Pompeii.
The discovery also revealed advanced technological features in the city, like a boiler room with a system of pipes distributing water from the road, highlighting Pompeii’s engineering progress.
The contrast between the affluent luxuries of the bathhouse and the toil of slaves in the boiler room is a poignant reminder of social inequality in Roman society.
The bodies of two individuals in a room exemplify this inequality, with valuable items found with the high-status woman but signs of labor on the young man’s body, suggesting different social statuses. The woman likely perished in the volcanic eruption, while the man died from a collapsing wall.
Despite nearing the end of the excavation, the possibility of further discoveries remains open as the team delves deeper into the site.
For more insights, tune in to BBC Two’s documentary, “Pompeii: New excavations – House of Treasures,” airing on Monday, January 20th at 9pm.
read more:
Source: www.sciencefocus.com
