Roman Housing

Question 1

What were some of the benefits for large peristyles?

Answer 1

• You could get away from the busy city life surrounded by all the nature
• You came across as still rather down to earth and intellectual with a large garden if you were rich
• You could host large parties there
• You came across as though you had a lot of money to spend

Question 2

What type of houses did the richer roman population live in?

Answer 2

Domus houses

Question 3

What did the lower/middle class population of Rome live in?

Answer 3

Insulae

Question 4

What was the Triclinium?

Answer 4

The dining area with couches for reclined eating.

Question 5

What was considered the ‘most important’ room of a roman house?

Answer 5

The Atrium

Question 6

What did the House of Menander have specifically that emphasised the family’s wealth and value of privacy?

Answer 6

Private baths in the house which were specifically useful due to Rome being a hot and dusty city.

Question 7

What were the dangers of being in the insulae?

Answer 7

It was likely to catch fire due to the (often) lack of kitchen and poor living conditions. Many burnt to the ground.