A private spa complex belonging to a member of the ancient Roman super elite complete with enormous plunge pool and hot baths has been discovered by archaeologists in Pompeii.

The 2,000-year-old thermal bath compound is one of the most elaborate ever found in the ancient Roman world.

The site was uncovered inside a large Roman villa and would have allowed its wealthy owner to entertain friends, forge contacts, canvas votes and affirm their high social status.

It is located next to the remains of a richly decorated dining hall, meaning that guests would have been able to enjoy a long, hot soak before attending a banquet.

The walls of the private bath house are decorated with finely-painted mosaics depicting scenes from the Trojan War that survived the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.

The complex had a capacity of around 30 people and boasted baths of varying temperatures, including a caldarium full of hot water, a tepidarium for tepid water and a frigidarium for a bracing dip in cold water.