ABSTRACT

This chapter explores the assertion of modernity, as applied to certain aspects of late antique architecture in the Late Roman Empire and to the communication of these forms in the early Christian period as an identifiable change of status. The form and function of the existing plans, notably in the late Roman villa, were altered and adapted to suit changing modes of behavior and living practices. A new architectural element known as a triconch appeared that contained the innovative stibadium dining couch. Modernity is thereby interpreted as a process of change, resulting in improvements and upgrades in accordance with socioeconomic conditions of modernization. Roman domestic architecture was characterized from first to fourth centuries AD by the domus in cityscape and villa in landscape. In both city and country, much has been written about the triclinium as the private space located beyond the public sphere, with the emphasis on dining and entertaining as an activity reserved for family and invited guests.