Publisher Description

According to Roman law, 'furniture' was described as 'any apparatus belonging to the head of the household consisting of articles intended for everyday use'. Under this ambiguous description numerous household artefacts could be considered as items of furniture. However, in this first general book on Roman furniture to be published in English, a more modern view of what constitutes furniture is taken. Familiar household pieces are investigated using evidence from art, literature and archaeology. Examples will be taken from all over the empire, but there will be special emphasis on furniture used in the north-west provinces.

Author Biography

Alexandra Croom is Keeper of Archaeology at Tyne and Wear Archives and Museum, where she has worked for 20 years. She is based at Arbeia Roman Fort in South Shields, where she specialises in small finds and pottery. She is a keen member of the re-enactment group Quinta, having a passion for the everyday life of the Romans.

Long Description

After an introduction to the sources of evidence and the different materials used in making Roman furniture, the individual chapters touch on different categories such as couches, beds, tables, and chairs, as well as stools, cupboards, storage boxes, and shelving. A special emphasis is placed on furniture used in Italy's northwest provinces. The final part of the book discusses the types found in rich and poor houses, including farms and military barracks, in addition to the kinds usually found in specific rooms. This is the first general reference on Roman furniture to be published in English.

Details