Latin House

The Latin House: 

The Latin House A guided tour by Vishnu Menon – Period 2B

Enter Here: 

Enter Here Ianua – The Door Roman doors were very significant in society. Their name comes from Janus, the Roman god of doors and doorways. Doors almost always opened inward. Outward-opening doors were a symbol of extremely high status, enjoyed by the likes of Marcus Valerius , a founder of the Roman Republic.

Vestibulum: 

Vestibulum Vestibulum - the entrance hall. As soon as you entered a Roman house, you would see a long, narrow hall way leading to the atrium. This is the V estibulum . The walls are often adorned with paintings and murals. The floors might have messages such as ‘Welcome Money ’, ‘Greetings’, or ‘Beware Dog’.

Taberna: 

Taberna O n the other side of the walls around you are two rooms called Tabernae . They are accessible only from the outside of the house. The Tabernae were single room shops that sold a variety of goods and foods.

Atrium: 

Atrium Atrium – the Main Hall The Atrium was the most important room in the roman house. After walking down the V estibulum , you enter a huge hall, often with with large pillars and lavishly furnished. Romans spent most of their time at home in this room, relaxing on the sofas or talking. The Atrium also sometimes contained the family safe ( arca ) and a bust of the master of the house.

Collecting Water: 

Collecting Water The Impluvium and Compluvium : In the center of the Atrium is Impluvium , a shallow pool, used for catching rain water. This water was often used in the garden. The Impluvium often had a statue or piece of art at its center, such as the faun in this picture. Above it is the Compluvium , an opening in the ceiling through which the water fell.

Cubiculum: 

Cubiculum Cubiculum – the bedroom Off to the sides of the atrium are multiple cubiculum. These small bedrooms are used only for sleeping, and thus have only just enough room for a bed and a sometimes a chest. The beds used by the Romans were smaller than those in use today, since most romans were only about 5’5”, and slept only one person.

Ala and Lararium: 

Ala and Lararium Towards the far end of the Atrium are two “wings” going to both sides. These small areas were known as the A la. At the end of one of the A la , one could often find the L ararium , a shrine to the household gods. The L ararium could also sometimes be found in the Atrium.

Triclinium: 

Triclinium The T ricilinium was the Roman dining room. The average Roman house had two, one at the end of the atrium and one on the far side of the garden. Its name comes from the three bed/sofas commonly found in it. Romans lay down on these tables when eating from the small table in the center. Their food was all finger food, so silverware was unnecessary.

Tablinum: 

Tablinum The T ablinum is located at the far end of the Atrium. It was used primarily as a study, for the man of the house. Family records were also kept in this room, as were busts of famous ancestors. The head of the house also sometimes conducted important meetings in this room.

Culina : 

Culina The Culina was also located at the end of the Atrium. It was the kitchen, and was usually small, dark, and poorly ventilated. Wealthy women did not prepare meals here; they had slaves to do it for them.

Hortus and Peristylium: 

Hortus and Peristylium The Garden, or Hortus , was at the back of Roman houses. It was separated from the Atrium by a passage called the Andron . Romans spent much time in the garden, which was a place of beauty with fountains, delicate landscaping, and small furniture. In it were grown herbs and flowers, particularly roses, violets, and lilies. The Hortus was also sometimes used as an outdoor dining area. The Perystilium was a collonaded walkway that surrounded the garden, with a small roof held up by pillars.

The Hortus and Peristylium: 

The Hortus and Peristylium

Exedra: 

Exedra The Exedra was the garden room, found at the very back of the Roman house, behind the H ortus . It was a fairly large room, and acted as a communal dining room or lounge. The inside was decorated with columns.

Map of a Roman House:: 

Map of a R oman H ouse:

Cross-Section: 

Cross-Section

Thanks for Watching!: 

Thanks for Watching!