17
Human Dwellings from Prehistoric Times to the Modern Age
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16
Human Dwellings from Prehistoric Times to the Modern Age
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Ancient Greek House
Average houses in Ancient Greece usually
had a rectangular floor plan and a geometric layout. In urban areas, houses were
organised in streets, while in rural areas, houses were built standing alone. Most of
the buildings consisted of a single storey
or two storeys. Houses were built from
bricks and wood, roofs were covered
with clay tiles.
Men’s bedroom
Women and men had separate bedrooms. Initially men’s bedrooms (andronitis) were on the ground floor. Later they were moved upstairs.An average bedroom was furnished with a bed, a small table and a chair with or without a low backrest. Furniture was made of wood.
Heating
Rooms were heated with metal pots containing glowing charcoal (braziers).
This kept the heat for a long time, radiating it around the room.
Kitchen and dining room
They were situated on the ground floor, accessible from the back
of the aula. Cooking pots were
placed on the charcoal in the oven.
Women’s bedroom
Women’s bedrooms (gynaeconitis) were
also situated on the upper floor. These were furnished similarly to men’s bedrooms,
but women decorated them with curtains
and tablecloths. Clothes and valuables
were stored in wooden chests.
The gynaikon was the room where women worked weaving and spinning,
and entertained female guests.
Bathroom
In most of the houses in Ancient Greece
there was a room for personal hygiene.
Its furniture was very simple: it contained only a bathtub and a bowl made of clay.
Aula
According to the most typical floor plan, the entryway lead from the gate to the aula, a large central courtyard. This was the centre of family life.
Reception room
The men’s living room (andron) was situated next to the kitchen.
The master of the house spent most of his time in this room, entertaining his guests. They held their feasts here, with only male guests allowed.
They ate and drank leaning on couches, resting on their elbows.
