What happens when a society’s homes start to look different? In ancient Pompeii, houses began losing their atriums—a sign of big changes in Roman life. Let’s explore how these architectural shifts reveal the evolving culture of Rome.
Imagine living in a house where the main room is a grand atrium—a large, open space where your family displays trophies, ancestral portraits, and even spoils of war. For centuries, this was the norm in Roman society. The atrium wasn’t just a room; it was a symbol of status, heritage, and the family’s role in the community.
In the time of our grandparents, the living room was the heart of the home, a place for guests and formal gatherings. But over generations, our homes have changed. Today, open kitchens are popular, and families socialize not just by eating together but by cooking together. This shift in how we design our homes reflects changes in how we live and interact.
Similarly, in ancient Rome, architectural changes mirrored societal transformations. According to research on Pompeii, about 20% of the 1,076 houses excavated in the city had one or more atriums (Zuchtriegel 2023, p.17). The atrium was essential for the Roman elite to showcase their family’s achievements and host the morning “salutatio,” where clients paid respects to their patron.
But then, something happened. Houses without atriums began to appear, even among those who could afford them. Instead of atriums, these homes featured courtyards or peristyles—open spaces surrounded by columns. The House of Diana in Ostia, built in the early 2nd century AD, is a prime example of this new style. Reception rooms opened onto a central courtyard, shifting the focus away from the traditional atrium.
Why Did the Atrium Disappear?
The disappearance of the atrium reflects a significant shift in Roman society. Pliny the Elder, a Roman author, wrote about how trophies and spoils of war were hung in the atrium and should never be removed, even if the house was sold. This practice ensured that “the same houses would forever celebrate the triumph” (Pliny the Elder, Natural History, 35, 17). The house, through its atrium, was like a living member of the family.
As time went on, the importance of these traditional displays diminished. Roman society was evolving. The old ways of displaying power and family prestige were becoming less relevant. New social classes were emerging, and people’s values were changing. Homes began to prioritize private comfort over public display.
Architectural Transformations in Pompeii
Archaeological evidence from Pompeii and other sites supports this view. According to the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, many homes lacked atriums, not because they couldn’t have them, but because they chose different designs. Some were small shops with living spaces attached, while others were more substantial homes without the traditional atrium.
One intriguing example is the House of the Vettii in Pompeii, which lacks a traditional atrium but boasts a grand peristyle garden and richly decorated rooms. The owners, two wealthy freedmen, chose to display their wealth and status in new ways, reflecting changing social dynamics.
These architectural choices suggest that Roman society was moving away from old elite traditions. The focus shifted from displaying family prestige to more private or different forms of social interaction. The peristyle courtyard became more common, offering a secluded outdoor area within the home.
Parallels in Modern Living
In modern times, we see similar patterns. The way we design and use our homes reflects changes in family structures, social interactions, and cultural values. The move towards open-plan living, with kitchens integrated into the main living space, mirrors a shift towards more informal and communal ways of life.
Just as our parents experimented with alternative ways of living and challenged traditional family models, the Romans began to adopt new architectural styles. The disappearance of the atrium reflects a broader change in Roman culture.
The Role of Social Change
These shifts in architectural design coincide with broader changes in Roman society. The rise of the imperial system, changes in the economy, and the increasing influence of different cultural practices all played a role. The traditional Roman elite faced challenges from new social groups, and the ways in which people expressed their identity and status evolved.
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, notes that “the history of domestic architecture is inextricably linked with the cultural and social history of a society” (Zuchtriegel 2023, p.17). By studying the changes in Roman houses, we gain a window into the lives of people who navigated a world of shifting norms and expectations.
From Atriums to Peristyles
The transformation continued into the grand villas of later centuries, such as the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, Sicily. These villas featured large peristyles and reception halls, emphasizing different architectural elements than the traditional atrium. The combination of hall and peristyle became the defining feature of these luxurious homes.
According to studies on Roman architecture, the shift from atrium-centered houses to peristyle-focused designs represents a change in how people wanted to interact within their homes and with society at large. Homes became more about private enjoyment and less about public display.
Understanding the Past to Reflect on the Present
By exploring these ancient homes, we learn not only about Roman architecture but also about the people who lived there. Their choices in home design reflect their values, priorities, and social structures. It’s a reminder that the spaces we inhabit tell a story about who we are.
For young readers interested in history and archaeology, the story of the Roman atrium offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. It shows how societal changes can influence even the design of our homes. Just as the Romans adapted their living spaces to fit new lifestyles, we continue to reshape our environments to meet our evolving needs.
The disappearance of the atrium in Roman houses marks a significant shift in both architecture and society. It illustrates how changes in social norms and values are mirrored in the places we call home. By studying these ancient houses, we gain insights into the lives of people who lived thousands of years ago and see the connections to our own evolving ways of living.
So next time you walk into your open-plan kitchen or rearrange your living space, consider how your home reflects who you are and the society you live in. Perhaps, like the Romans, our homes are telling a story about our times.
