What is the term for the entry corridor to a house that typically leads into the atrium?

The term for the entry corridor to a house that leads into the atrium is "fauces." In Roman domestic architecture, the fauces serves as a passage that connects the entrance of the residence to the atrium, which is the central courtyard area. This space is significant as it often sets the tone of the household and provides access to various parts of the home.

In contrast, the atrium is the main open area of the house itself, typically surrounded by rooms, while the compluvium refers to the opening in the roof above the atrium designed to allow sunlight and rain into the area. The impluvium, located directly under the compluvium, is a basin that collects rainwater that drains through the opening. Understanding these terms helps in appreciating the layout and function of Roman homes, but the fauces is specifically the corridor that acts as the entrance to this complex and serves as a vital part of the home's design.