Source A: Description of Roman Houses

"Roman houses, or domus, were often grand structures for the wealthy, with an atrium at the center, decorated with mosaics and fountains. The poorer citizens lived in insulae — multi-storey apartment blocks that were often cramped and poorly built. The insulae could be dangerous, especially during fires or collapses. The wealthy, in contrast, enjoyed spacious homes with multiple rooms, private baths, and gardens. Many homes had a strict division between public and private areas, reflecting Roman values of privacy and status. The insulae, however, lacked these luxuries and were often overcrowded, with multiple families sharing small spaces."* Provenance: Pliny the Elder, 77 AD, Roman historian and author.