Casa Romana: A Glimpse into Roman Life

Casa Romana, or "Roman House," is a captivating archaeological site in Kos town that provides a window into the luxurious lifestyle of the island's Roman elite. Built upon the ruins of a Hellenistic house, this Pompeian-style villa dates back to the late 2nd and early 3rd centuries AD. The villa was discovered after the devastating earthquake of 1933, and its subsequent excavation and restoration, completed in 1940, offer visitors a unique glimpse into Roman domestic life.The villa features 36 rooms and three open spaces, known as atriums, designed to provide light and air. The atriums are adorned with exquisite mosaic floors, most dating back to the 3rd century AD, depicting scenes from the seabed, as well as figures like dolphins and Nereids. The walls were originally decorated with frescoes and marble cladding.Casa Romana is organized around three atriums, two of which feature peristyles with two-story porticos and columns. The first atrium once housed a statue of Asclepius. The second atrium features a mosaic floor with dolphins and a sea nymph, and walls covered in marble. The largest of the three, the third atrium, boasts mosaic floors and painted walls. Examples of pottery, coins, glassware, and sculptures are exhibited within the rooms, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the villa's residents.