Pompeii excavation reveals large private bathhouse built 2,000 years ago

Archeologists in Pompeii, the ancient Roman city buried by ash and lava in 70 AD, unearthed a private bathhouse built over 2,000 years ago, officials said Friday.

The discovery includes sumptuous mosaics and is equipped with a series of hot, warm and cold rooms and a huge plunge pool in the manner of a spa.

"We have here perhaps the largest thermal complex in a private house in Pompeii," said Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Pompeii archaeological park. "The members of the ruling class of Pompeii set up enormous spaces in their homes to host banquets."