The earliest structures were very simple, often consisting of just two rooms and an open porch. Mosaic floors were common, as were gables and columns, but those were often reserved for the rich. Many homes had a wide passage in the center that was as long as the house itself and opened into a patio or a courtyard.

The houses were generally small with walled gardens or courtyards in the center. The roofs were made with clay tiles. The windows were small and had no glass. They were covered in wood shutters to keep the scorching sun away.

The layout Many ancient Greek houses were built around a central courtyard. In this outdoor area, women might cook, animals might be reared and religious shrines might have been built. The rest of the property would depend on the family’s wealth, but would typically contain somewhere between 2 and 12 rooms or areas.