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The ancient baths of Pompeii were outrageously filthy

BBC Science Focus

March 2026

The pre-Roman baths of Pompeii would've been seriously grotty, according to an analysis of mineral deposits

The ancient baths of Pompeii were outrageously filthy

The ancient baths of Pompeii were full of lead and human waste, and only refilled around once per day, according to a study by the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz.

Geoscientists investigated the baths’ conditions by analysing limescale deposits in wells, pipes and pools, finding that they vastly improved after the installation of an aqueduct in the first century AD.

Beforehand, the water was lifted from underground wells. Mineral analysis suggests the water was contaminated with heavy metals – including lead, zinc and copper – as well as sweat and urine, and likely replaced daily.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 2026-Ausgabe von BBC Science Focus.

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