Saudi Minister of Culture Visits Germany to Explore Cultural Cooperation

Saudi Flag via Reuters
Saudi Flag via Reuters
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Saudi Minister of Culture Visits Germany to Explore Cultural Cooperation

Saudi Flag via Reuters
Saudi Flag via Reuters

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, has concluded an official visit to Germany, on June 5.

The trip aimed at reinforcing cultural relations and exploring areas of cooperation between the two countries.

During the visit, Prince Bader met with Claudia Roth, the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and Media, and Andreas Goergen, Secretary General for the Federal Ministry of Culture and Media, where they explored areas of cooperation and opportunities for cultural exchange.

Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud said: "This visit is an extension of our longstanding cultural ties with Germany, with whom we have had many partnerships and cultural exchanges since 1973. For the past 20 years, one of the main areas of cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Germany has been the field of archaeology. We look forward to further enhancing our cultural relations and to continue working closely towards creating opportunities for the exchange of knowledge, talent and expertise.”

As part of the meeting, both parties discussed opportunities for cultural cooperation, as well as strengthening the cultural relations through facilitating mutual visits by specialized delegations and implementing joint cultural projects, according to SPA.

In addition, the meeting explored ways of exchanging knowledge and expertise in the various cultural sector.



Ancient Pompeii Excavation Uncovers Lavish Private Bath Complex

A recently discovered complex in the ancient city of Pompeii is seen, in Pompeii, Italy, in this undated handout picture released on January 17, 2025. (Pompeii Archeological Park/ Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism/ Handout via Reuters)
A recently discovered complex in the ancient city of Pompeii is seen, in Pompeii, Italy, in this undated handout picture released on January 17, 2025. (Pompeii Archeological Park/ Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism/ Handout via Reuters)
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Ancient Pompeii Excavation Uncovers Lavish Private Bath Complex

A recently discovered complex in the ancient city of Pompeii is seen, in Pompeii, Italy, in this undated handout picture released on January 17, 2025. (Pompeii Archeological Park/ Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism/ Handout via Reuters)
A recently discovered complex in the ancient city of Pompeii is seen, in Pompeii, Italy, in this undated handout picture released on January 17, 2025. (Pompeii Archeological Park/ Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism/ Handout via Reuters)

Archaeologists have unearthed a lavish private bath complex in Pompeii, highlighting the wealth and grandeur of the ancient Roman city before it was destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, the site said on Friday.

The baths, featuring hot, warm and cold rooms, could host up to 30 guests, allowing them to relax before heading into an adjacent, black-walled banquet hall, decorated with scenes from Greek mythology.

The complex lies inside a grand residence that has been uncovered over the last two years during excavations that have revealed the opulent city's multifaceted social life before Vesuvius buried it under a thick, suffocating blanket of ash.

A central courtyard with a large basin adds to the splendor of the house, which is believed to have been owned by a member of Pompeii's elite in its final years.

"This discovery underscores how Roman houses were more than private residences, they were stages for public life and self-promotion," said Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Pompeii Archaeological Park.

Zuchtriegel said the layout recalled scenes from the Roman novel "The Satyricon", where banquets and baths were central to displays of wealth and status.

Decorated with frescoes, the complex draws inspiration from Greek culture, emphasizing themes of leisure and erudition.

"The homeowner sought to create a spectacle, transforming their home into a Greek-style palace and gymnasium," Zuchtriegel said.

The remains of more than 1,000 victims have been found during excavations in Pompeii, including two bodies inside the private residence with the bathhouse - a woman, aged between 35-50, who was clutching jewellery and coins, and a younger man.

The discovery of their bodies was announced last year.