Inside the Ancient Roman House

Join Dr Christopher Gribbin as he explores different types of ancient Roman homes and the way they functioned, with a focus on the buildings of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

The ancient Romans lived in a variety of homes. The poorest lived in small rooms at the back of shops or crowded apartment blocks. The middle class enjoyed townhouses that came in a wide range of shapes and sizes. The elite lived in spectacular, luxurious homes, with private bathing complexes, multiple living spaces, gardens and sumptuous decoration. Understanding these homes gives us an insight into ancient Roman society and ancient people's lives. It shows us an aesthetic world sometimes very different to our own.

Dr Gribbin will examine the rich decoration of Roman homes, including elaborate mosaic floors and painted walls and the important legacy of Roman houses in European design from the 16th century, as European aristocrats incorporated Roman elements into their own decoration to create grandiose new styles.