The Houses Of The Romans

Posted by admin

March 17, 2010

roman-houses When You rent an apartment in Rome, during Your stay in the Eternal City, You’ll realize the greatness of Rome thanks to the many archaeological wonders that you can visit in the town.

The houses of the Romans have different characteristics according to the class of membership of the family. In any case, the house was a key issue, as the seat of the family, whose prosperity the paterfamilias was dedicated with great commitment and passion. We distinguish, therefore, domus and insula.

Originally, the house of nobles Patrizi (as they were called the Roman aristocracy) was a construction rather elementary. Across the hall, which opened on the other rooms, no windows, it entered the garden square, bordered by a colonnade (peristyle). in the Atrium the light enters from a wide opening in the ceiling, beneath which was placed a large tub, designed to collect rainwater (impluvio). Here was found a small temple where the deities were placed: the Lares and Penati. Initially, next to them, was the sacred fire fed by the matron.
Large and spacious, the Roman houses were equipped with running water, hot and cold water, central heating, stained glass and decorated with colorful mosaics and frescoes, and statues.

The houses of the plebeians (they were the working class of Ancient Rome) were far less comfortable than the homes of the rich. Located on three or four florrs, these houses were cramped and dark. Moreover, the lives of ordinary people was taking place mostly outside the home. The house was a place of short stop, where to slept and ate.

These buildings were real human anthills, with infections and diseases, because of poor hygiene. The introduction of aqueducts and baths, in the Republican period, contributed significantly to reducing the spread of epidemics.

Tall buildings (up to 20 meters high!), divided into small apartments without water and heating. The walls were of mud brick, the windows were closed by wooden doors. The ceiling were also in wood. On the ground floor of the insulae, were shops and taverns. Because of overcrowding, of the materials used in construction, of lamps and stoves (used to illuminate and warm environments), these homes often caught fire, claiming many victims.

Destination