Roman Housing

Question 1

What was the Insula?

Answer 1

Middle-class housing that took up 1 block, very popular in Rome & was open on the streets

Question 2

What was the Domus?

Answer 2

Housing of the elite 7 usually outside of cities for space, & close to the streets

Question 3

What were the insulae made of?

Answer 3

Brick-faced concrete, which was designed to not be seen & covered in stucco

Question 4

What was a big problem for the architects designing these houses?

Answer 4

lighting. There were big windows facing the streets & inner un-roofed courtyards

Question 5

What was the typical layout of an Insula?

Answer 5

seen in the Insula of Diana: only the south & west sides faced the streets (N & E abutted other buildings & could draw no light), the apartments that faced the streets were usually shops (bottom floors as well), open-air courtyard for inner light + fresh air, 3 apartments per insula

Question 6

How much is known about poorer living arrangements?

Answer 6

Just like the Greeks, not much is known about lower-class housing. however, there are some less luxurious apartments

Question 7

Describe the typical Domus

Answer 7

Usually outside the city (more space), had a similar layout to the insulae, closed from the outside (small or no windows), 1 narrow entrance, focused on the courtyard, & had many rooms

Question 8

What was the most popular style of domus in the republican age & what were its influences?

Answer 8

The Atrium-Peristyle house: A villa. Influenced by contact with the Greek world with lavish Roman additions

Question 9

What feature of Roman courtyards differentiates it from the Greek ones?

Answer 9

Roman courtyards had wells for rain catching & collection, whereas the Greek models didn’t have the feature & instead relied on public water fountains