Nestled within the ruins of Pompeii, the Stabian Baths were established in around 125 BC, making them among the very first known Roman bathing complexes. They were in operation until the notable blast of Vesuvius in 79 AD, and ever since, archaeologists have been uncovering their secrets. In 2021 and 2023, yet another tantalizing mystery emerged: a hidden sauna, stashed away beneath the palaestra courtyard. Constructed during a remodeling phase, it appeared the sauna catered to the elite rather than the common folk, suggesting its purpose was closed-door relaxation and thermal treatments. But we're left questioning, who exactly was it reserved for?
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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