Related Resources:
Republican Roman Construction
Elsewhere on the Web:
Sample Plan of a Roman House
Definition:
The formal, central hall of the Roman domus was the atrium. Small bedrooms or cubicula branched off from the atrium. Typically beyond the atrium was a reception or office area known as the tablinum, beyond which would be an enclosed colonnaded garden. The atrium was open to the air and held a small pool to collect rain. Between the atrium and the street were the doors and a corridor (vestibulum, from which comes vestibule).
Related Terms • domus
Villa
Photograph of a Roman atrium in Pompeii
The Roman House
Site explains the difference between classic Roman and early Italian house plans and the climatic reasons for the open air atrium.
Barbara F. McManus shows the layout of a Roman house, noting atrium (formal entrance hall), ala ("wings" opening from atrium), cubiculum (small room; bedroom), culina (kitchen), exedra (garden room), peristylium (colonnaded garden), taberna (shop), tablinum (office; study), triclinium (dining room), and vestibulum (entrance hall).
<Back to Last Page> <Full Glossary>
Atrium
<Back to Last Page> <Full Glossary>
Explore Ancient / Classical History
Must Reads
About.com Special Features
How to Ace the GRE
Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >
The Business School Lowdown
Everything from choosing a school and applying, to employment after graduation. More >
©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.