What is a term used for a single-family Roman house with rooms often grouped around open courts?

The term "Domus" refers to a traditional single-family house in ancient Rome, characterized by its architectural design that typically includes a variety of rooms arranged around one or more open courtyards, known as atriums. This layout not only provided structure and functionality to the living space but also facilitated social interaction and the flow of light and air into the home. The domus was distinctively designed for wealthy families, indicating status and sophistication, encompassing areas for both daily activities and more formal gatherings.

In contrast, "Aedes" generally refers to a building that is specifically used for religious purposes or significant public structures within Roman society, not a family residence. "Insula" denotes a type of apartment building that housed multiple families, often within a more urban setting, reflecting a different living arrangement and social status. "Villa" typically describes a countryside estate or large house that served as a retreat or agricultural hub, again differing in purpose and design from a domus. Thus, the correct identification of a single-family Roman house is aptly represented by the term "Domus."