ROME, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Italy's Pompeii archaeological park announced Friday the discovery of what may be the largest thermal bath uncovered at the sprawling Pompeii complex, located south of Naples.

The thermal bath was unearthed during excavations at a private residence. While not the first of its kind found in Pompeii, it is likely the largest and most sophisticated, extending lengthwise into a grand banquet hall, according to Pompeii's archaeologists.

The baths include hot, warm, cold, and changing rooms, capable of accommodating up to 30 people. The cold room features a peristyle, or a porticoed courtyard, with a large central pool.

Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the site's director, said that the owner was likely a member of the city's elite and designed the bath as a space to entertain guests. This highlights how some Roman houses served not only as private residences but also as venues for public gatherings.

Pompeii, situated between Naples and the scenic Amalfi Coast, is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site. The city was buried under volcanic ash and pumice during the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. While much of the site is open to the public, excavations continue. Enditem

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