Medical Division


Roman domestic and public architecture began to overlap at some point as houses began to take on characteristics of public buildings.  Roman aristocratic houses followed a fairly distinct and common pattern of design whether smaller houses or larger imperial houses.


The courtyard (atrium) was the first area encountered by guests after entering the villa. This part of the villa served as the entrance hall onto which some of the main rooms opened. The floor of the atrium was extensively decorated with mosaics.