Part 8/17:
Romans expanded upon Greek principles with the domus—distinctive townhouses centered around an interior courtyard. These homes featured atriums, decorative mosaics, and indoor plumbing, reflecting affluence. Many wealthy Romans resided in sprawling villas with gardens, baths, and elaborate ornamentation, while the majority of urban dwellers lived in insulae—multi-story apartment blocks that could be cramped and poorly built, often with fire hazards and shared amenities.