Pompeii dig may extend outside city after discovery of ancient spa

Officials from the area surrounding the ancient city of Pompeii are working together with strategic choices for further excavations which would include areas outside the external walls of the ancient city. The plan is a result of recent research conducted by the University of Salerno in collaboration with the archaeological park led by Dr. Gabriel Zuchtriegel.

Zuchtriegel, 39, is a German archaeologist with an Italian passport who was appointed director in 2021 after managing the archaeological site of Paestum in Campania since 2015. His plans for the site include not only preservation but also include a variety of ideas to bring past and present discoveries to life for people worldwide. He and his team plan to open up warehouses, excavation sites and laboratories and to disclose the process of their work with all the steps with a taken with a new find.

The plan to further excavate outside the wall is a result of recent research conducted by the University of Salerno in collaboration with officials at the site. The principals of the study found that there is a correlation between new discoveries and interest in the ancient city, which had more than 4 million visitors last year.

The number of visitors can depend on a variety of factors and can increase or diminish based on global trends, the economy and international crises. Decisions must be made also between funding and how much to excavate because once discovered, new sites and individual pieces must be monitored and maintained continuously. This will be a key factor approving new digs particularly in the area outside the walls known as “Grande Pompeii,” which is located between Vesuvius and the sea.

The latest discovery at the site took place in January 2025 when archaeologists discovered a luxurious private bathhouse – possibly the largest ever found there – complete with hot, warm and cold rooms, striking artwork, and an enormous plunge pool.

The spa-like complex sits at the heart of a grand residence uncovered over the last two years during a major excavation.