Archaeologists exploring the submerged ruins of Baiae, a once-glamorous Roman resort on the Bay of Naples, may have uncovered part of the villa belonging to the famous Roman statesman and orator, Cicero.

Baiae, located about 150 miles south of Rome, was the favorite holiday escape for the empire’s elite, including emperors and senators, who built luxurious villas along its coastline. Over time, however, volcanic and seismic activity caused the land to sink, leaving much of the city underwater. Today, it survives as an underwater archaeological park, attracting divers and historians alike.

In a recent dive in the Portus Iulius area, researchers discovered the remains of a lavish bath complex about 10 feet beneath the sea. The site featured elegant mosaics, traces of wall paintings, and even a sauna room (laconicum), highlighting the luxury of Roman leisure culture.

Experts suggest the location matches the area where Cicero once owned a villa, raising the exciting possibility that this bath complex was part of his sprawling seaside estate.

If confirmed, the discovery would not only shed light on Cicero’s personal life but also add to our understanding of the opulence and architectural brilliance of Baiae, once described as the “Las Vegas of ancient Rome.”