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Special Rooms in a Roman Household

Writer's picture: Nancy ZoriaNancy Zoria

Roman households are dependent on the amount of wealth an individual has and range from a variety of apartments called insulae to private villas called domus.


Insulae

Majority of common Romans lived in insulae (apartments)

  • 3-5 stories high

  • Housed from 30-50 people

  • Consists of 2 small rooms

  • Bottom floor houses shops and stores opened to the streets

  • Larger apartments were near the bottom with the smaller ones on top

  • Sometimes caught fire and collapsed


Domus

Wealthy elites lived in domus

  • Vestibulum: A grand entrance hall to the house. On either side of the entrance, there are small shops opening out to the street.

  • Atrium: Open room where guests are greeted. It is typically had an open roof and a small pool used to collect water.

  • Tablinum: Office or living room of the house

  • Triclinium: Dining room; the most impressive and decorated room of the house to impress guests

  • Cubiculum: The bedroom

  • Culina: The kitchen


Villa

Wealthy Roman families lived in villas

  • Multiple rooms including servant’s quarters, courtyards, baths, pools, storage rooms, exercise rooms, and gardens

  • Modern comforts such as indoor plumbing and heated floors


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