‘Once-in-a-lifetime' discovery: Pompeii's luxury bathhouse

ISTANBUL

After being buried under volcanic rock and ash for 2,000 years, a rare luxury bathhouse has been discovered in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, according to the BBC.

Archaeologists have unearthed the private bathhouse, likely the largest ever discovered in Pompeii, complete with hot, warm and cold rooms, exquisite artwork and a massive plunge pool.

The bathhouse is located at the center of a grand residence uncovered in the last two years during a major excavation.

Although one-third of the ancient city remains buried under volcanic debris from the disaster, the excavation, the largest in a generation, offers new insights into life in ancient Rome.

"The private bathhouse complex is a once-in-a-century discovery, which also sheds more light on a darker side of Roman life," said Dr. Sophie Hay, an archaeologist in Pompeii.

An entire block of Pompeii has now been uncovered, revealing a laundry and bakery, as well as a large private house. All these were likely owned by one wealthy individual, possibly Aulus Rustius Verus, an influential politician in Pompeii.

The most impressive feature is the frigidarium, or cold room, which contains a large plunge pool that could hold 20 - 30 people, and is surrounded by striking red columns adorned with frescoes of athletes, according to the BBC.

The excavation also uncovered a tragic scene, with two skeletons found in a small, minimally decorated room.

The skeletons belonged to a woman, aged between 35 and 50, who was found curled in a fetal position on a bed, and a younger man, likely in his teens or early 20s, who was crushed by a collapsing wall.

Various items -- glassware, bronze jugs, and pottery -- were found on a marble table, likely brought in as the pair sought refuge. The young man held keys, while the woman clutched gold and silver coins and jewelry, indicating he was of lower status and she of higher standing.

"The most powerful thing from these excavations is that stark contrast between the lives of the slaves and the very, very rich," said Hay.

The excavation is nearing completion, yet new finds continue to surface. While only a limited number of visitors can view the site, it will eventually be open to the public.