Roman Familia et Domus

Question 1

Besides as a dwelling place, what were the three central purposes of the domus?

Answer 1

1. center of business
2. center of religious worship
3. center of patriarchy

Question 2

How was the domus associated with business?

Answer 2

1. Many homes had two doorways facing the street from which items were sold
2. The tablinum, a significant room in the center of the domus was the study of the paterfamilias from which he as patronus would greet his clientes

Question 3

How was the domus associated with religion?

Answer 3

It was the place from which the spirits of the family’s ancestors were honored through images stationed in the alae (wings) of the domus

Question 4

How was the domus a center of patriarchy?

Answer 4

The paterfamilias had absolute sway over everyone in his house: wife, children, other relatives, and slaves. The large area devoted to his tablinum reflects his dominance.

Question 5

What is the triclinium and how does it get its name?

Answer 5

The dining room in a domus. It’s name comes from the Greek tri= three, clinium- recliners. The triclinium had three couches upon which guests dined.

Question 6

How did the triclinium reflect a social caste system?

Answer 6

There were names given to every one of the nine places on the three couches, and the higher one’s status the better his position with respect to the mensa (table).

Question 7

What was the impluvium?

Answer 7

The pool in the Roman domus that collected water that entered through the compluvium and opening in the roof.

Question 8

What is the ianua?

Answer 8

The door of the domus.

Question 9

What is the peristylium?

Answer 9

An open colonnaded garden at the back of the domus.

Question 10

What is the culina?

Answer 10

The small kitchen in the Roman domus.