Ancient Greek Homes
The Greek House was divided into two parts—the men's apartments and the women's apartments.
From: Unknown To: 146 B.C.E.
Note: This article has been excerpted from a larger work in the public domain and shared here due to its historical value. It may contain outdated ideas and language that do not reflect TOTA’s opinions and beliefs.
The Greek House.
The Greek House was divided into two parts—the men's apartments and the women's apartments. Both were usually on the ground floor, with the men's in front. The entrance to the house was by a door which opened into a passageway running into an open court (peristyle). This was in the centre of the men's apartments, and was surrounded on all sides by porticos. These were used for exercise, and sometimes for dining. The rooms around this court were used as sleeping apartments, sitting-rooms, galleries, libraries, etc.
Back of this court ran another passageway opening into a second court like the first, except that there were no porticos in the rear. This court was surrounded by the rooms used by the women, and back of it were chambers, behind which were large rooms where working in wool was carried on. There was generally a second floor for lodging slaves. The roofs were flat, and often used for promenading. Air and light were admitted to the houses mostly through the courts. Artificial heat was obtained by fire-places or small portable stoves.
In front of the house was a small space, where was an altar erected to Apollo, or a laurel tree, or a statue of Hermes. Behind the house there was usually a garden.
Pennell, Robert F. Ancient Greece from the Earliest Times Down to 146 B.C. Allyn and Bacon, 1897.
About TOTA
TOTA.world provides cultural information and sharing across the world to help you explore your Family’s Cultural History and create deep connections with the lives and cultures of your ancestors.
