In Roman architecture, an insula (Latin for "island", pl.: insulae) was one of two things: either a kind of apartment building, or a city block. [1][2][3] This article deals with the former definition, that of a type of apartment building.

insula, (Latin: “island”), in architecture, block of grouped but separate buildings or a single structure in ancient Rome and Ostia. The insulae were largely tenements providing economically practical housing where land values were high and population dense.

Oct 19, 2024 · Insulae were large multi-story apartment buildings in ancient Roman cities, particularly in Rome itself. The insulae of the Roman Empire are a fascinating reflection of Roman architectural innovation and urban planning.

It was founded on ancient Greek city models, described by Hippodamus. It was used especially when new cities were established, e.g. in Roman coloniae. The streets of each city were designated the decumani (east–west-oriented) and cardines (north–south).

The insulae of ancient Roman cities provided housing for the bulk of the urban populace. The plebs tended to inhabit insulae.

Sep 26, 2023 · Insulae were a distinct architectural form in ancient Rome, serving as multi-purpose residential and commercial buildings. Their design was such that they could accommodate a variety of urban functions and were, therefore, a common feature in the bustling Roman cityscape.

Jan 7, 2021 · Insulae. The house type referred Insulae, is the ancient Roman equivalent of modern apartment buildings, were a response to the acute need for urban housing.

Aug 15, 2018 · The Rome apartments were often in buildings called insulae (sg. insula, literally, 'island'). Some Rome apartments may have been in buildings 7-8 stories high.

Apr 1, 2023 · In ancient Rome, an insulae was a multi-story residential building, typically containing between four and twelve units. The name comes from the Latin word for “island”, which makes sense given that these buildings were often built on small pieces of land surrounded by roads or other buildings.

Jun 26, 2020 · Learn about the Capitoline insula, a surviving example of ancient Rome's apartment blocks, with 5 stories still present and visible.