[*]In Xenophon's "Memorabilia," III. 8, sections 9,10.

[+]Xenophon, "Economics," VII. 3.

[@]Very probably in such outlying Greek cities as Syracuse, Taras
(Tarentum), etc., more elegant houses could be found than any at
this time in Athens.


23. The Plan of a Greek House.--The plan of a Greek house naturally
varies infinitely according to the size of the land plot, the size
of the owner's family, his own taste, and wealth. It will usually
be rectangular, with the narrower side toward the street; but this
is not invariable. In the larger houses there will be two courts
(aule), one behind the other, and each with its own circuit of
dependent chambers. The court first entered will be the Andronitis
(the Court of the Men), and may be even large enough to afford a
considerable promenade for exercise. Around the whole of the open
space run lines of simple columns, and above the opening swings an
awning if the day is very hot. In the very center rises a small
stone alter with a statue of Zeus the Protector (Zeus Herkeios),
where the father of the family will from time to time offer sacrifice,
acting as the priest for the household. Probably already on the
alter there has been laid a fresh garland; if not, the newcomers
from the Agora have now fetched one.


+---------------------+
| |