Author: Melissa

Roman Villa Project

1 Atrium 2 Peristylium 3 Vestibulum 4 Fauces 5 Impluvium 6 Ala 7 Triclinium

8 Tablinum 9 Exhedra/Oecus 10 Taberna 11 Cubiculum 12 Andron 13 Posticum 14 Bathroom 15 Cucina (kitchen)

Supplies
1 large shoebox
Scissors
Tape
Glue
Graph Paper
4 large pieces of card stock along with shoebox lid
Crayons, colored pencils, markers, paint, etc.
Ruler
25 index cards
1 large brown paper grocery bag
Modeling clay or the like for miniatures
*** This is the least expensive way to build a Roman villa. Other materials are preferred and encouraged, but they are not required. ***

Directions
Cut the grocery bad down one side and place inside out. Use grocery bag to cover the outside of the bottom of the shoebox.
Cut a sheet of graph paper the size of the shoebox.
Using the graph paper, draw a floorplan for a Roman villa.
Color each “room” section like a mosaic tile floor. This can be any image suitable for a house.
Cut each piece of card stock according to the length of the wall and the depth of the box (about 4”x 2”).
Glue the colored graph paper onto the inside bottom of the box.
Using the tape, attach the card stock to the bottom and sides of the box.
Draw pictures appropriate to the theme of each room and attach to card stock like “murals.”
Roll each index card into a tight “column” and tape together. Attach each to the floor of the peristylium.
Decorate each room with miniatures that may be found in that room of the villa.
Color or paint index cards to resemble terracotta tiles. Create a slanted roof with a hole cut out for the compluvium and peristylium. Glue “tiles” to the roof.
Write name, date, and bibliography on an index card and tape to the bottom of the model.

Helpful Websites
http://www.roman-empire.net/society/soc-house.html
www.vroma.org/~bmcmanus/house.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/10098/romanhouse.htm
http://wings.buffalo.edu/AandL/Maecenas/rome/roman_house/section_contents.html
http://abacus.bates.edu/~mimber/Rciv/house.pix.htm
***This is just a sample of a Roman villa floorplan. You may use other versions that you find as long as integrity is not compromised. ***