The House

Question 1

What is the Ancient Greek for ‘house’?

Answer 1

Oikos

Question 2

Describe the walls of an oikos (inside + outside, 3 things)

Answer 2

OUTSIDE:
-Stone
-For protection
INSIDE:
-Painted red + white.

Question 3

What was the courtyard used for?

Answer 3

Cooking (it was light + airy).

Question 4

Describe the Andron (5 things).

Answer 4

• Used to entertain male visitors (e.g. at symposium).
• Women would not usually be allowed in (except for slaves and Heteraii)
• Decorated with tapestries, rugs, pots, etc. Nicest room in house.
• Couches places around outside, no one could ever have their back to the door!
• Walls made of clay bricks, kept the room cool.
• Sunken area in middle, often contained a table. Had mosaic on floor underneath.

Question 5

Were families in Athens self-sufficient?

Answer 5

Yes, they had a small plot of land outside the city. The Kyrios would manage this land (with help from slaves).

Question 6

Describe the Gynaikon (4 things).

Answer 6

• Kyria’s room.
• At the back of the house, out of the way (on the 2nd floor).
• Contained looms (civilized women wove).
• Where Kyria would raise children + weave.

Question 7

Where was the kitchen?

Answer 7

At the back of the house, opening into the courtyard.

Question 8

Where were the slaves quarters?

Answer 8

On the bottom floor.

Question 9

Describe the windows of an oikos (2 things).

Answer 9

• Protected from heat…

- …And from burglars!

Question 10

Describe the roof of an oikos.

Answer 10

Made of clay tiles.

Question 11

EXAM QUESTION: What rooms were there in a typical Athenian house? [5 marks]

Answer 11

Any from:

• Andron;
• Gynaikon;
• Slave accomodation;
• Storeroom;
• Workshop;
• Bedrooms.

Andron and Gynaikon or equivalent descriptions of these rooms should be included for thorough (in other words, to get the highest marks, you have to mention these throughout).
Do not accept courtyard as this is given on the plan.

Question 12

EXAM QUESTION: Explain why a typical Athenian house was arranged in the way it was. [5 marks]

Answer 12

Reward all valid descriptions which give a description of the layout. Likely points are:

• Inward facing courtyard, with no outward doors;
• courtyard as an important source of light, focal point for women (and might possibly have a well);;
• Andron, laid out as luxury room, nearest the door where easily able to great visitors. Also reflects the dominance of men.
• Few windows which are high up - comfort and security;
• Women’s quarters - near to the slave’s quarters which reflects their responsibility. Also have to pass men’s area;
• Slave quarters - size reflects need for domestic tasks leaving family freer;
• Store room - issues of accessibility and security.

Question 13

EXAM QUESTION: Imagine you are an ancient Athenian. Would you live in an Athenian house such as the one in the picture (which isn’t shown here)? Explain your answer. [5 marks]

Answer 13

Accept any reasonable opinion from an Athenian perspective based on any of the following:

• Design of an oikos;
• Appearance;
• Security;
• Facilities;
• Open court yard etc.