Study of domestic space in Greek and Roman contexts has been one of the liveliest areas of research in classical archaeology in the last twenty years. Scholarship has moved well beyond the traditional description and classification of domestic buildings, using this material to address a range of specific questions about the households once occupying them, including their social statuses, cultural identities, economic strategies and patterns of gender relationships. The methods which have been applied have been diverse, ranging from statistical study of artefact distributions through to the detailed iconographic analysis of wall paintings. In this seminar we will explore a range of the approaches which have been taken to understanding the architecture, organisation and decoration of houses in Greek and Roman contexts. An explicit goal of the discussion will be to compare the perspectives taken by archaeologists working on material of different dates and from different parts of the Graeco-Roman world. We will also explore the potential of domestic space as a tool for understanding wider social issues.

Course Requirements:

Assessment will be based on class participation (in discussion and a presentation), a book review and on a final written paper.

Intended Audience:

Primarily intended for graduate students with interests either in the history and material culture of the ancient world (including art) or in household archaeology. The readings can be selected to take account of the prior knowledge and research interests of the participants.

Class Format:

One meeting per week centred around prepared readings.