US EditionHygienic conditions in Pompeii's early baths were poor, according to isotope analysis
Pompeii’s transition from wells to a Roman aqueduct increased water volume and bathing hygiene despite intermittent lead contamination, researchers said.
- On January 13, a PNAS study led by Dr. Göl Sürmelihindi found isotope analysis shows Pompeii's Republican Baths water was contaminated with human waste, indicating poor hygiene.
- Pulling water from deep wells using slave-powered treadwheels meant only 900 to 5,000 litres per hour were drawn, refreshing Republican Baths about once daily.
- Analysis of stable isotopes and trace elements showed calcium carbonate deposits from aqueducts, water towers, well shafts, and bath pools had distinct signatures and oxygen isotope shifts after renovations.
- The Roman aqueduct delivered 167,000 litres per hour, allowing expansion of baths but lead-contaminated pipes and street fountains caused unequal access between wealthy residents and poorer residents.
- Study findings may help resolve the Avella/Aqua Augusta debate and cyclic carbon-isotope patterns could record Mount Vesuvius activity before AD 79, refining Pompeii's water-management narrative.
23 Articles
23 Articles
The Public Baths of Ancient Pompeii Were Actually Pretty Gross—Until the Romans Built an Aqueduct
Hygienic conditions were poor in the city's older bathing facilities, a new study reveals. The analysis sheds light on Pompeii's water systems and residents' bathing habits
Pompeii’s Water Quality Analyzed - Archaeology Magazine
Carbonate samples from the so-called Republican Baths in Pompeii MAINZ, GERMANY—According to a statement released by Johannes Gutenberg University, a study of carbonate deposits in the water system at Pompeii offers clues to water quality and bathing habits. Gül Sürmelihindi and Cees Passchier of Johannes Gutenberg University analyzed the levels of isotopes of several elements in the carbonate deposits in the city’s aqueduct, water towers, well …
In the oldest public baths in Pompeii, known as Republican Baths and dating back to the pre-Roman era, around the year 130 BC, the water coming from deep underground wells of volcanic origin was barely changed once a day.Keep reading...
Pompeii’s Early Baths Were Petri Dishes
The ancient Romans took bathing seriously—it was a crucial facet of their daily lives, and people from a range of social rungs enjoyed dips in public baths. Romans seem to have taken sanitation inspiration from the Greeks, who washed up in athletic facilities and public baths. Nautilus Members enjoy an ad-free experience. Log in or Join now . To learn about the transition from Greek to Roman bathing practices, researchers looked to the remains…
Hygienic conditions in Pompeii's early baths were poor, according to isotope analysis
The city of Pompeii was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) have now reconstructed the city's water supply system based on carbonate deposits—particularly the transition from wells to an aqueduct.
Due to luxury spa: water had to be drawn in the early Pompeii and was therefore rarely changed in bathing facilities. Researchers have found residues of sweat, skin tallow and urine.
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