Anne Peterson and Dr. Mark Johnson, Art History
Sociologists have theorized that architecture plays an imminent role in the lives of human beings as studies suggest that buildings are much more than mere backdrops to the drama of life but rather significant factors in how we think and act. It is believed that orientation, the use of space, and the general floor plan of a building can mold the lives of its inhabitants by affecting even their social relationships. Thus, by applying this theory to the households and villas of ancient Rome one can suspect that the architecture thereof had an influence on the lives of early Romans and was responsible for the creation and maintenance of a social hierarchy both within individual homes and within the community at large.
My original intent was to examine the types of architecture and decoration used within the households and villas of ancient Rome, specifically those in the city of Pompeii. By gaining a firm understanding of such styles and uses of architecture, my research could then assist the Apolline team as we began the excavation of a roman villa just off the northern slopes of Vesuvius, by offering insight and explanations for whatever we might uncover.
I began by conducting preliminary research in Brigham Young University’s library during the months preceding our early May departure. As I began examining the use of architecture in the ancient Empire, I came across numerous studies in relation to the aforementioned idea that architecture played an imminent role in the lives of early Romans. Intrigued by the suggestion that household architecture had such a grand affect on the social structure of these ancient communities, I directed my research in a more specific path in hopes that I could determine the relationship between household architecture and Roman life within the city of Pompeii.
Through intensive research, I found that the households of ancient Rome were indeed intimately connected with important social rituals and the events of daily Roman life, serving as the primary locale for such events, but also the controlling power to which those events veritably conformed. Further, by examining the spatial layout and architectural features of the Roman domus (household) in Pompeii, I could then project that the household was an inseparable factor in creating and maintaining social identity as the homes themselves were means of organizing society into a hierarchal order.
As I arrived in Italy, I had the opportunity to meet with renowned archeologist Ferdinando De Semone, as well as Professors Johnson and Macfarlane from Brigham Young University. I discussed with them some of my recent findings and expressed an interest in conducting on-site research in the archeological park at Pompeii. Immediatley, Dr. De Semone made arrangements for me to receive a private pass into homes within Pompeii that are usually not open to the public. He also suggested, along with the Professors, that I look specifically at the House of Menander because of its impressive level of preservation and because it was home to one of the most affluent families in ancient Pompeii. With an aim to draw correlations between social hierarchy and architecture, the House of Menander proved an excellent case study, as I would test my hypothesis on this specific home.
My visits to Pompeii, specifically to the House of Menander, were a remarkable and unforgettable opportunity. I was able to examine firsthand the architectural layouts of homes rarely, if ever, view by the public, taking notes as well as visual documentation to support my research. I was pleased to find that my on-site research provided substantial evidence to my conjecture. My visit to the House of Menander also resulted in an intriguing discovery concerning the tablinum space of the home (like a foyer or office in today’s homes). The discovery of a possible use of doors employed across the tablinum’s threshold, suggested through evidence of door hinges found upon close examination, caught my interest and with further research I discovered that the tablinum space is created on the axial orientation of the augural templum, (ritual circle) of an ancient Etruscan priest. It was believed that the priest would stand within this circle to draw upon the power of the sacred spheres that lie before him and in back of him. Hence, an astounding correlation is drawn as the tablinum is seen as the symbolic and literal division between the public and private spheres of the home and it is plausible, by means of scholarly evidence, that this division, heightened by the use of a door, furthered the creation of a social hierarchy within the household.
Upon returning home, I compiled my research findings into a paper submitted and prepared for publication in a scholarly journal. The paper analyzed the role that the architecture of ancient Pompeii had on social hierarchy by analyzing the importance of axial orientation and the division of public and private spheres as seen in the tablinum. In conjunction, the paper briefly presented possible explanations for a door employed in the House of Menander’s tablinum area and its intriguing correlation to the preceding ideas.
Though my overall research project did not follow the initially intended path, I was pleased that my original proposal was gradually funneled into a more specific investigation, as it offered me a rewarding examination of both ancient architecture and the lives of those who occupied its space. I believe that the outcome of this research project exceeded any of my expectations, and overall, allowed me an extraordinary opportunity to conduct on-site research, to receive the mentorship of impressive faculty, and to acquire valuable training that will allow me to succeed in both school and in a future career. Truly, this has been an unforgettable experience of which I am deeply grateful.