House and furniture

Roman oil lamp

Bronze door knocker  

Roman oil lamp

Fragment of a wall painting 

Houses in the Mediterranean world were adapted to an open-air life in a warm climate. A courtyard in the middle of the structure served as a space for cooking, baking, and other household chores were done. Metal fixtures and keys were used on doors. 

Lacking large windows, ancient houses tended to be dark, so lamps were essential. Lamps were made of bronze or clay, with fiber wicks buring olive oil for two to three hours. Greek lamps were made on the potter's wheel, while Roman lamps were molded with decorative scenes from myth or imperial portraits.