Culture Ministry Showcases Saudi Distinctive Civilization, Heritage

SPA
SPA
TT

Culture Ministry Showcases Saudi Distinctive Civilization, Heritage

SPA
SPA

In a collaborative effort with the Federation of Arab News Agencies (FANA), the Saudi Press Agency presented a cultural bulletin, titled "Saudi Arabia's Unique Civilization and Heritage Promoted by Culture Ministry," to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the significant role played by the Culture Ministry in preserving and promoting the nation's distinctive civilization.

"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a rich, authentic, culture and civilization that has shaped the morals and customs of its people. The country's great heritage, ancient traditions, cultural treasures and spectacularly diverse landscape -- from golden deserts to seas rich in pearls, green fields and exotic canyons -- have informed and shaped its culture, art, literature, thought and sciences, and have also been its citizens' reason to be proud," SPA reported.

In June 2018, a Royal Decree established the Ministry of Culture as an independent entity, led by Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud. The ministry's vision focuses on preserving the Kingdom's historical heritage and leveraging it to foster a thriving culture that contributes to lifestyle, economic growth, and elevates Saudi Arabia's international standing.

According to SPA, the Ministry aims to contribute around 3% to the GDP by 2030 by harnessing cultural potentials. This includes promoting culture among citizens as an integral part of their daily lives, conducting educational programs and training workshops, establishing institutes, implementing empowering initiatives, and organizing diverse cultural activities and festivals that preserve the country's authentic identity.



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.