Culture: Roman Housing

Roman Housing: General Insights

In ancient Rome, there were two main types of housing- villas and insulae, or apartment blocks.
Romans of higher social status typically lived in villas outside of the city centre, while those of lower social status lived in insulae located in the heart of the city.
Roman houses were built around a central courtyard or atrium which was open to the sky, it often contained an ornamental pool (impluvium) used to catch rainwater.

Villas: Characteristics and Structures

Villas were the homes of the wealthy and were often large and luxurious.
They often included many rooms such as kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and sometimes private baths.
Special rooms, known as cubicula, were used for sleeping.
Gardens and courtyards (Peristyle) were also a common feature of Roman villas.
The interiors often boasted intricate frescoes and mosaics.
Villas were often self-sufficient, with their own farms and vineyards.

Insulae: Characteristics and Structures

Insulae, typically made of wood or cheap brick, were prone to fires and were often overcrowded.
They were multi-storied apartment buildings catering to lower and middle classes; the lower floors were generally safer and more expensive.
Insulae lacked some of the amenities of the villas, like gardens or central courtyards.
Many residents of the insulae used public amenities, such as baths, toilets, and water fountains.

Interior Decoration and Comfort

Wealthier houses had heating under the floors (hypocaust) and walls.
Floors were commonly made of mosaic tiles and walls were often painted with decorative frescoes depicting scenes from mythology or everyday life.
Furniture was often ornate and made of wood, metal, or ivory.
Bedrooms usually had very little furniture other than the bed and a small side table.
Oil lamps were commonly used for lighting as Romans didn’t use candles for light.

Culinary Spaces

Roman villas often had their own private kitchens, while insulae residents generally used communal spaces for cooking.
Food preparation took place in a room known as a culina.
Wealthy Romans often had a series of dining rooms for various occasions, including triclinium (dining room for dinner), cenaculum (dining room for lunch), and oecus (grand dining room).

Remember, understanding the contrasts between villas and insulae, and exploring the architectural designs and use of space, help to highlight the socioeconomic disparities within Roman society and provide insight into daily life in ancient Rome.