Oecus
The oecus (from Greek οἶκος "house", "apartment") is a room in the Roman house, similar to the triclinium . However, the oecus is generally larger so that the ceiling has to be supported by columns. Like the Triclinium , the oecus also serves as a representative room for receiving guests.
Vitruvius ( de architectura 6.3.8-10, 6.7) distinguishes four types of oecus :
- Tetrastylos : with four pillars
- Corinthian : with a row of columns that support an architrave with a cornice above and a vaulted ceiling
- Egyptian : particularly splendid shape of the oecus , with columns running around it, which support a gallery also provided with columns
- Cyclic ( κυζίκηνοι from Kyzikos , an ancient city in Mysia ): a very spacious oecus , which goes north to the garden and was widespread among the Greeks.
The oeci were splendidly furnished and often decorated with large paintings ( megalographs ). The oeci in the Villa Boscoreale , in the house of the Vettier with the very fine paintings in the 4th style and above all the oecus in the Mystery Villa , the so-called Mystery Hall with its world-famous Dionysian frieze are known.
literature
- William Smith: Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities. 2nd ed. Boston 1870. p. 428 Online: [1]