In Italy, the largest 2,000-year-old spa complex has been discovered (photos).

During excavations in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii in Italy, which was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the first century AD, a complex built two thousand years ago was uncovered. This was reported by The Guardian.

The discovery includes thermal baths and a large swimming pool.

The complex was connected to an exquisite banquet hall adorned with frescoes depicting characters inspired by the Trojan War. Experts have concluded that this residence, believed to belong to a member of Pompeii's elite, served as a stage for the owner to assert his social status, possibly even to promote candidates during elections.

The spa complex was designed for 30 people, who could enjoy three different pools: the caldarium (hot), tepidarium (warm), and frigidarium (cold). According to experts, the cold room, which featured an internal courtyard, was particularly impressive. There was also a cold chamber that contained a courtyard with a portico.

It is thought that the baths provided guests with a chance to relax after lavish feasts.

"Everything was functional for staging a 'show', with the owner at the center," say the researchers.

The banquet hall is known as the black room due to the color of its walls, which were likely intended to conceal soot from burning oil lamps. The walls are decorated with artworks depicting mythical Greek figures, including an image of Helen of Troy meeting Paris, the prince of Troy, for the first time.

The room also opens onto a courtyard with a long staircase leading to the first floor of the building. On the arches of the staircase, there are charcoal drawings of two pairs of gladiators and what archaeologists describe as "a huge stylized phallus."

The city of Pompeii was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius on August 24, 79 AD, with more precise data indicating October 24, 79. It is now an open-air museum listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Additionally, on the island of Crete, archaeologists unearthed the sacred gates of the Archanes Palace. While exploring the ancient palace, they discovered sacred gates that are a unique architectural element from the Minoan civilization.