Classical Influences on the Domestic Architecture of the Graeco-Roman Fayyum Sites

A study on classical or mediterranean characters in houses of the graeco-Roman settlements in the Fayyum, a region in the western desert of Egypt. Only few buildings have been found (and published) with structure and decorations similar to Greek and Roman houses. Some of those were found close to the dromos of the temple in Medinet Madi and for their rich painted decorations imitating stones were interpreted as semi-public or public buildings. More probably these were private houses with banquet halls for semi-public ceremonies connected to the temple feasts. Inner courtyard are very rare in the Fayyum houses because of the difficult climate and environment. Domestic architecture with classical characters are mentioned in Zenon's papyri in Philadelphia (3rd cent. BCE) or were excavated in some settlements in the south and west side of the region, such as at Theadelphia, Dionysias, Tebtynis and Medinet Madi.