DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.61617#0317
THE POMPEIAN HOUSE
2 5 7
according to Vitruvius, should be twice the width. At Pom-
peii, however, the dimensions are less generous; with an av-
erage width of 12 or 13 feet the length rarely exceeds 20
feet. In many cases one end of the room opened on the
peristyle, but could be closed by means of broad doors or
shutters.
The plan of a typical dining room is given in Fig. 118. The
couch at the right of the table was called the upper couch; that
at the left, the lower; and that between,
the middle couch. With few exceptions
each couch was made to accommodate
three persons; the diner rested on his
left arm on a cushion at the side nearer
the table, and stretched his feet out toward
the right. Hence, the first on the upper
couch had what was called ‘ the highest
place.’ The one next was said to recline
‘ below ’ him, because lying on the side
toward which the first person extended his
feet; the man at the outer end of the lower
couch was said to be ‘at the foot,’ imus.
of John we read of a disciple “ lying on Jesus’ breast,” the mean-
ing is easily explained by reference to Roman usage ; John was
reclining in the place next below the Master. This arrange-
ment makes clear to us the reason why the couches were so
placed that the lower one projected further beyond the table
than the upper one; the feet of those on the lower couch were
extended toward the end furthest from the table.
To the couches grouped in the manner indicated the same
name was applied as to the dining room, triclinium. Of those
in the dining rooms only scanty remains are found. In summer
the Pompeians, as the Italians of to-day, were fond of dining in
the open air. In order to save the trouble of moving heavy
furniture couches of masonry were not infrequently constructed
in the garden, and have been preserved; such a triclinium is
that in the garden of the tannery (p. 390). The arrangement
is in most cases precisely that indicated in Fig. 118, the outer
end of the lower couch projecting beyond the corresponding
s
Fig. 118. — Plan of a dining
room with three couches.
A. Upper couch, lectus summits.
B. Middle couch, lectus medius.
C. Lower couch, lectus imus.
D. Table, mensa.
When in the Gospel
2 5 7
according to Vitruvius, should be twice the width. At Pom-
peii, however, the dimensions are less generous; with an av-
erage width of 12 or 13 feet the length rarely exceeds 20
feet. In many cases one end of the room opened on the
peristyle, but could be closed by means of broad doors or
shutters.
The plan of a typical dining room is given in Fig. 118. The
couch at the right of the table was called the upper couch; that
at the left, the lower; and that between,
the middle couch. With few exceptions
each couch was made to accommodate
three persons; the diner rested on his
left arm on a cushion at the side nearer
the table, and stretched his feet out toward
the right. Hence, the first on the upper
couch had what was called ‘ the highest
place.’ The one next was said to recline
‘ below ’ him, because lying on the side
toward which the first person extended his
feet; the man at the outer end of the lower
couch was said to be ‘at the foot,’ imus.
of John we read of a disciple “ lying on Jesus’ breast,” the mean-
ing is easily explained by reference to Roman usage ; John was
reclining in the place next below the Master. This arrange-
ment makes clear to us the reason why the couches were so
placed that the lower one projected further beyond the table
than the upper one; the feet of those on the lower couch were
extended toward the end furthest from the table.
To the couches grouped in the manner indicated the same
name was applied as to the dining room, triclinium. Of those
in the dining rooms only scanty remains are found. In summer
the Pompeians, as the Italians of to-day, were fond of dining in
the open air. In order to save the trouble of moving heavy
furniture couches of masonry were not infrequently constructed
in the garden, and have been preserved; such a triclinium is
that in the garden of the tannery (p. 390). The arrangement
is in most cases precisely that indicated in Fig. 118, the outer
end of the lower couch projecting beyond the corresponding
s
Fig. 118. — Plan of a dining
room with three couches.
A. Upper couch, lectus summits.
B. Middle couch, lectus medius.
C. Lower couch, lectus imus.
D. Table, mensa.
When in the Gospel