Recent excavations in Insula 10 of Regio IX in Pompeii have uncovered a grand private thermal bath complex, connected to a banquet hall. This discovery provides new insights into the lives of Pompeii’s elite and their social practices.

    The thermal bath complex, one of the largest and most elaborate found in Pompeian homes, included various rooms:

    • Apodyterium: The changing room, equipped with spacious benches capable of accommodating up to thirty people.
    • Calidarium: The room for hot baths.
    • Tepidarium: The room for warm baths.
    • Frigidarium: The cold bath room, located in a 10x10 meter peristyle with a large central pool.

    The close connection between the thermal spaces and the grand triclinium, known as the "black hall," suggests that the house was designed to host lavish banquets. These events were not merely convivial gatherings but also served to consolidate political alliances and display the owner’s social prestige.

    The decorations, including paintings depicting scenes from the Trojan War and images of athletes in the peristyle, added an air of culture and sophistication, reminiscent of Greek gymnasium aesthetics. This highlights the owner's intent to impress guests by providing an experience of luxury and refinement.

    Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of the Pompeii Archaeological Park, emphasized that "the Roman domus served as a stage for the display of art and culture, orchestrated by the owner to gain votes or win the favor of guests."

    This discovery offers a valuable glimpse into the social and cultural dynamics of ancient Pompeii, highlighting the central role of private residences as spaces for representation and social interaction.