Wohnen in Delos
Eine baugeschichtliche Untersuchung zum Wandel der Wohnkultur in hellenistischer Zeit
Published in 1998
Book
Paperback/Softback
398 pages
978-3-89646-318-0 (ISBN)
Description
Obwohl die hellenistischen Häuser von Delos großenteils gut publiziert sind, liegt nun erstmals eine übergreifende Untersuchung zu Wohnstandards, Normen des Wohngeschmacks und Wandel der Wohnkultur vor. Wegen fehlendem Mobiliar und trotz vorhandener Schriftquellen ist über die konkrete Benutzung der Häuser wenig bekannt. Die Grundlage der Arbeit bilden Bauuntersuchungen vor Ort, die diverse Umbauten der Häuser erkennen ließen. Diese erlauben es, eine Reihe von Wertelementen und Statussymbolen (z.B. zweites Vestibül, Peristyl, Prunkraum, Bad, Latrine) zu identifizieren, die nachträglich zur Anpassung an den geänderten Wohngeschmack eingefügt wurden, und zwar häufig in einer reduzierten, billigen Version. In der relativen Bauchronologie zeichnen sich langrechteckige "Normalhäuser" als frühe Bauform [wohl 4.-2. Jh.] und wohlproportionierte jüngere Häuser mit Statuselementen [bes. 2. Jh. v.Chr.] ab. Getrennte Funktionsbereiche [z.B. öffentlich / privat, Wirtschaft] sind nicht nachzuweisen. Die Obergeschosse erwiesen sich oft als reicher ausgestattet, was dafür spricht, daß sich hier nicht der "private Wohnbereich" befand.
Although many of the Hellenistic houses of Delos are well published, this is the first general study on living standards, norms of taste and changes in the housing culture. Because of the absence of furniture and despite the written sources little is known about the everyday use of the houses. The author undertook investigations in Delos herself which revealed various phases of alterations on the houses. This enabled her to identify a number of precious elements and status symbols [e. g. second vestibule, peristyle, rich room, bath, latrine] which were added later to meet a changed taste of living. This was often done in a reduced and cheap way. The relative building chronology helped to discern long-rectangular "normal houses" of an early date [probably 4th to 2nd century B.C.] and younger houses with balanced proportions and status elements [mainly 2nd century]. Strictly separate functional areas [e.g. public and private life, economy] cannot be found. The upper floors were generally more elaborate than the ground floors which might indicate, that the "private living area" is not likely to have been situated in the upper floors.
Although many of the Hellenistic houses of Delos are well published, this is the first general study on living standards, norms of taste and changes in the housing culture. Because of the absence of furniture and despite the written sources little is known about the everyday use of the houses. The author undertook investigations in Delos herself which revealed various phases of alterations on the houses. This enabled her to identify a number of precious elements and status symbols [e. g. second vestibule, peristyle, rich room, bath, latrine] which were added later to meet a changed taste of living. This was often done in a reduced and cheap way. The relative building chronology helped to discern long-rectangular "normal houses" of an early date [probably 4th to 2nd century B.C.] and younger houses with balanced proportions and status elements [mainly 2nd century]. Strictly separate functional areas [e.g. public and private life, economy] cannot be found. The upper floors were generally more elaborate than the ground floors which might indicate, that the "private living area" is not likely to have been situated in the upper floors.