Gymnasium of the Iuvenes

Gymnasium of the Iuvenes
The entrance of the Gymnasium is located in Vicolo della Regina, in an area that had been long closed to the public before being reopened in 2016, following the completion of major safety works. From the outside of the building, you can see a marvellous floor mosaic in the entrance hallway, which depicts a fighting scene with two bare-handed athletes facing each other. On the walls, the frescos portray athletes, wrestlers, a jumper with dumbbells, and the competition judge, known as the Ludi Magister, carrying a sash for the winner. This huge space was part of a thermal bath for men that dates back to the 1 st century A.D. and was located in a scenic area of the town with wonderful sea view.

In the area around the furnace that warmed the baths a lot of silver objects weighing a total of 3kg were found as well as two wax tablets wrapped in cloth. These items tell us about the trading of two slaves.

Excavation date: 1887, 1928.