Chapter 5

Roman Housing

Types of housingThe Romans, like any civilization, had a

variety of dwellings that varied in quality depending on the wealth of the person living there.Sprawling estates Town housesApartments

VillaThe most wealthy could have “second” homes

on farms. The villa could range from a sprawling estate

with many buildings and vast fields to a modest house with a garden.

It was a place to go and relax, but could also be rented out for an income.

DomusA domus was a single-

family dwelling along the city street.

The rooms are centralized around a main hall or set of rooms (like the living room and kitchen).

These homes came directly up to the sidewalk with no yard, but rather a garden contained within the walls of the home at the rear of the house. Pic source:

http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Homework/houses/Roman/townhouses.htm

InsulaeThe masses of Rome need to live in multi-

family dwellings, or apartment buildings.These could be arranged around a central

courtyard that would let in light or have a water source.

Most residents would need to utilize the food shops (restaurants) and public latrines (toilets).

Source: http://archipaedia.net/2009/05/style-history-ancient-roman/

Insulae (con’t) Insulae were not well

constructed. At one point they were so prone to collapse or fire, that they were limited to 3 stories and fire regulations had to be created. For the Romans, the best apartments were the ones on the ground floor or the first floor with dwellings. (Sometimes, the first floor would be rented out as shops.) The worst and least expensive apartments were the ones at the top, since there were more stairs to climb and the most dangerous.

Common RoomsThere were some rooms

that were standard in the Roman house.Atrium: living room and a

reception room in which visitors were received. (see pic)

Tablinum: a home office.Peristylium: colonnaded

courtyard. Triclinium: the dining

room. The Romans often entertained with dinner parties, so this was a key room in the house.

Pic Source: http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/2008/pompeii/villa_houses.shtm

Sample Plan of a Roman House

A atrium formal entrance hallAl ala "wings" opening from atriumC cubiculum small room; bedroomCu culina kitchenE exedra garden room

P peristylium colonnaded garden

T taberna shopTa tablinum office; studyTri triclinium dining room

V vestibulum entrance hall

http://www.vroma.org/~bmcmanus/house.html

AtriumThe atrium was the reception room.It contained a small hole in the roof

(compluvium) which directed rainwater to the shallow basin (impluvium) below. The compluvium also provided much needed light.

Pic source: http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/mysearch.php?searchWords=roman+impluvium&mySubmit=Search

TablinumThe tablinum was

the study.The paterfamilias

would meet clientes in this room.

Pic source: http://www.indiana.edu/~c494troy/papyri/getty_marble_tablinum.jpg

PeristyliumThe peristylium was the colonnaded garden

within the walls of the house.

Pic source: http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/2008/pompeii/courtyard.shtm

TricliniumThe triclinium was the Roman dining room.Three diners would recline on each of three

sides. One side was left open in order for the slaves to bring in the food.

Pic source: http://www.vanalstyneisd.org/Latinpg/triclinium.html

Exterior DesignWindows were placed high up to discourage thieves, as glass was reserved only for the wealthiest people. In all, the outside of a Roman house was unattactive and uninviting.

Interior DecorationFrescoes were painted while the plaster was

still wet. Subjects for the paintings often included scenes from the country or mythology.

Pic source:http://www.historywiz.com/galleries/anc-romegallery.htm◀ Back

Interior Decoration (con’t)The Romans also used mosaics to

decorate their floors. The mosaics could range from simple black and white geometrical designs to more elaborate scenes from mythology.

Pic source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Roman_mosaic_floor_LosAngeles_County_Museum_California.jpg