The Houses of Roman Italy, 100 B.C.- A.D. 250

In The Houses of Roman Italy, 100 B.C.-A.D. 250, art historian John R. Clarke takes readers on an insightful journey through the lived spaces of ancient Rome. Richly illustrated and thoroughly researched, the book examines a spectrum of houses - from modest urban tenements to grand villas - revealing how wall paintings, mosaics, and stucco decorations mirror the cultural, religious, and social rhythms of their time. Through case studies of seventeen excavated houses, Clarke traverses four centuries of Roman domestic artistry. By tracing the development of decorative styles, from the austere elegance of the early First Style to the lavish expressions found in the Second and Third Styles, the book offers a nuanced look at how public and private spaces intermingled in ancient architecture. Clarke’s analysis even delves into the intriguing transformation of structures like the House of Jupiter and Ganymede during the second century. This accessible yet scholarly work brings to life the enduring legacy of Roman art and architectural ingenuity.