Pompeii’s public baths were unhygienic until the Romans took over

New ScientistMonday, January 12, 2026 at 8:00:26 PM
NeutralScience
Pompeii’s public baths were unhygienic until the Romans took over
  • Before Roman rule, the public baths in Pompeii, managed by the Samnite people, were reportedly unhygienic, leading to an unpleasant experience for bathers. The transition to Roman governance brought significant changes to the infrastructure and hygiene standards of these facilities.
  • The improvement of public baths under Roman influence highlights the broader advancements in public health and urban planning that characterized Roman society, reflecting their commitment to sanitation and public welfare.
  • This development is part of a larger narrative regarding Roman engineering and construction techniques, including recent discoveries about Roman concrete that challenge previous understandings of their building methods, showcasing the sophistication of Roman technology and its impact on urban living.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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