Traditional Roman houses and Greek houses were similarly constructed, with rooms arranged around a central courtyard. Both had interior decorations like paintings on walls and mosaics on floors. They also contained similar rooms like private bathrooms, offices, and entertainment rooms. While furnishings differed slightly, with Romans using less furniture, both cultures focused interior decorations on walls and floors. The layout of rooms also distinguished uses between men and women.
2. Pre Writing
Traditional Roman House Traditional Greek Homes
Rooms arranged around the
central courtyard
Rooms arranged around a
central courtyard
Painting on walls and
beautiful mosaics on floor
“ but with more furniture
Houses have private office,
temple, entertainment
room and bathroom.
Houses have private
bathroom, office, and
entertainment room.
3. Question: 2. Write a compare or contrast essay about any two traditional houses of your choice.
There are various types of houses built on this planet. Populated by humans since the
late pre-historic era, various homes and mass residential areas were constructed depending on
climate and numerous other factors. However, some homes are quite similarly constructed to
each other. Traditional Roman houses and traditional Greek houses were much alike, seeming
that they are somewhat culturally connected to each other. On an upper-classmen basis of
homes, their similarities of homes were on a perspective of room allocation, interior decoration
and types of rooms in a specific home.
Ancient Roman houses were aligned neatly surrounding a courtyard. The
courtyard would be situated in the exact middle of the house, with balconies and verandahs
facing it so as to avoid burglar invasions. There were only windows visible from the outside.
Traditional Greek houses were built such that they were aimed to cool the house during long
hot summers and to hold heat in winter. Much similar to traditional Roman houses, they did
have several well-aligned rooms surrounding a courtyard. The main door would be situated in
such a manner that entry of the home would lead to the courtyard.
In terms of interior decoration, Romans weren’t fond of decorating their homes with
carpet nor had they much furniture. They only had the necessary household items and never
grew fond of extra furniture, instead spent most effort in decorating the walls and floors. The
walls were adorned with beautiful paintings and floors covered with beautiful mosaics tiles or
marble depending on the suitability of the owner. Bright colors were used to make interiors
more appealing. Traditional Greek homes were somewhat similar to Roman homes. Had they
paid minimum attention towards interior furnishing, instead invested much on their walls. The
second story of the home would be floored on wood in conjunction to countering weight
sustainable issues.Hand-loomed textile rugs hung from walls and covered floors, adding
touches of color to individual rooms. Handcrafted curtains, usually embroidered with all sorts
of colorful designs by the household's women, hung over windows as well. Greeks often used
wood for furnishing and copper, bronze and iron for ornamental purposes.
On a different point of view, Romans had several specific rooms in their homes and so
did the Greeks. The type of rooms would determine how wealthy the home-owner is. Wealthy
Romans would have the accessibility to utilize a private bathroom, office and several other
structures considered unaffordable to middle or underclassmen. They also had temples,
atriums, dining rooms and kitchens. A furnace would sit quite well in the kitchen so as to serve
as a range in a Roman home. Similarly, Greeks had such rooms in their homes. Slave quarters
4. would be built adjacent to the dining rooms. Their construction of rooms would particularize
the distribution of men and women. Women usually reside in the deepest part of the house
with a specific room called “Gyniakon” to serve as their gathering room. They would entertain
friends and look after their children in this given room. The men would also have designated
entertainment room located on the ground floor to serve as a place to entertain their male
friends. Women weren’t usually allowed inside unless if it were for entertainment purpose.
In conclusion, Romans and Greeks live in a structure with almost the same design and
have minor distinctions. Their rooms are arranged in a respective manner towards their
climate, courtyard and privacy. They paid minimum attention to furnishing and had most
interest in wall and floor décor and most of the upperclassmen had private washrooms,
kitchens and offices to serve their daily needs.
