The racing field of the Circus Maximus was divided lengthwise by the spina, a narrow basement embellished over time with statues, fountains, columns and obelisks, which ended in two semicircular elements, the metae, to indicate the points where the chariots had to turn during the seven laps of the r...

In the Roman domus, the peristyle consists of a large courtyard surrounded by a colonnaded four-sided portico. This room usually had the function of hortus conclusus, an enclosed garden, decorated with statues and ornamental plants, often with pools and fountains. Porticoed courtyards were also bui...

The hall is a quadrangular room of greater importance than the room used in the domus for reception. Its solemnity is underlined by the presence of an apse, which expands the space, covered by a segmental hemisphere; sometimes there are columns that enhance the connection between the semi-dome of th...

In some areas of Sicily, some Roman villas dating back to the 3rd to 4th century AD have been identified. A particularly well known seaside villa situated along the northern coast of Sicily is Patti Marina, in the town of Tindari. The excavations brought to light a vast area that might include both...

The Romans gave much importance to the venatio, a term which, according to most sources, suggests spectacular and deadly fights, sometimes only between animals,but also between men and animals. To replace such gory scenes, there was no lack of performances of domesticated animals that broke up th...

The Latin term meaning “sawn work” indicates marble that was specially cut and inlaid to decorate floors and walls with geometric or figurative motifs. This technique saw a considerable increase, especially during the imperial age, through the use of marble from the extensive territories of the...

Basilica originates from the Greek stoa basilike, meaning royal space, which became a public space during the Roman period. The basilica consisted of a large room, with one or several naves, divided by columns and usually located near the forum, the public part of the city. The basilica was used as...

Large space running lengthways, used as a passage and connection between the various rooms overlooking it. The corridor also takes on the role of a reception antechamber in private villas such as Casale, when it is located in front of the basilica....

The Roman baths were public buildings, deemed important for the hygiene and health of citizens, which is where S.P.A. – Salus Per Aquam (health through water) – derives from. They were equipped with complex systems for the supply of both cold and hot water. The thermal baths, built after the 2nd...

The unique structure of the portal of the late antiquity residence, which is reminiscent of the Roman triumphal arches, was characterised by three passages covered with semicircular vaults. It is unrivalled by other private Roman villas of the same period consisting of a single entrance. One exampl...