A comparative study between ancient Romans houses (the House of Amphitrite in Djemila and the Mosaic House in Tiddis as an example)
Abstract
The study of civil architecture is a key area of interest in archaeology due to its role in understanding past social, cultural, and political conditions. This research presents a comparative analysis of two Roman houses in eastern Algeria: the House of Amphitrite in Djemila and the Mosaic House in Tiddis. The study examines their architectural features, spatial organization, and functional aspects to highlight similarities and differences in their design.
Findings reveal that the House of Amphitrite in Djemila follows a structured, rectangular layout with clearly defined sections. A central colonnaded courtyard (peristyle) with two water basins serves as the focal point, surrounded by rooms with distinct functions, including a dining hall, bedrooms, a banquet hall, a kitchen, and a small bathroom adjacent to a water reservoir. Additionally, the house contains a grain mill and an olive press, as noted by researcher Blanchard-Lumi. The presence of an atrium within the peristyle, supported by decorative columns and a sloped roof directing rainwater into the basins, further characterizes its architectural style.
Moreover, the house exhibits significant variations in floor levels due to the uneven terrain, leading to the adoption of multi-level construction techniques. The irregular alignment of rooms along the outer perimeter is also evident. Notably, the bath and its annexes occupy nearly a quarter of the total house area, underscoring their architectural and functional importance within the structure.