{"id":9106,"date":"2023-11-24T10:55:11","date_gmt":"2023-11-24T09:55:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/?p=9106"},"modified":"2023-11-24T10:55:11","modified_gmt":"2023-11-24T09:55:11","slug":"why-were-houses-so-important-in-ancient-rome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/why-were-houses-so-important-in-ancient-rome\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Were Houses So Important In Ancient Rome"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Religious Beliefs<\/h2>\n

Houses in ancient Rome were immensely important, not just as a place of shelter, but to the Romans, a house also had strong religious connotations. It was believed that a person’s home was the springboard to their spiritual relationship with the gods. Even before the house was built, Roman homes had to have their location ‘sanctified’, a religious procedure associated with honoring the gods Hera and Jupiter. Furthermore, the house was seen as a representation of the household’s place in the prevailing power structure. This idea was further strengthened by the fact that many of the gods, particularly Vesta, the goddess of the hearth, resided in the home.<\/p>\n

Romans attributed divine powers to every aspect of the house, from it’s construction and decoration to the layout, which was believed to contain secret religious symbolism, symbolism that was only seen by the gods and those who were initiated into the mysteries of their faith. In the minds of the Romans, their home represented the sanctity of their religion, and thus the majority of homes were built with great care and attention given to their construction and decoration.<\/p>\n

In addition, the house was also a reflection of the standing of the family within the wider community. Houses in ancient Rome were decorated with floors and walls that were opulently decorated with marble and other rich materials. The more wealthy the family was, the more luxurious the décor of their homes was. Thus the appearance and layout of the home provided a kind of visual screening – showing just how powerful the family was and how well connected they were with the gods.<\/p>\n

Social Significance<\/h2>\n

Houses in ancient Rome played an important role in the social life of the people as well. The home was a place where families gathered and celebrated life events, ranging from the marriage of a child to the birth of a new grandchild. It was also a place for communal gatherings, hosting rituals such as libations and offering of prayers to the gods. The home was a place to display wealth and status, and a place to entertain important guests. Finally, the home was a place where the family could come together and express its shared values and collective identity.<\/p>\n