The Andronitis
My main living room area.
 Penelope and Her Suitors
Welcome! You've just entered my main living area. Ancient Greek homes are built around a courtyard; ancient wealthy Greek homes have two courtyards, one for men, and one for women. I don't believe in that kind of silliness! Guests entering a Greek home first find themselves in a large colonnaded courtyard known as the Andronitis. The family spends most of its time here; although, as a woman, I'm not supposed to entertain men here as well as women, I'm a Roman and I can get away with it. In fine weather, the women of the family spin, weave and sew here, listening to the men discussing the latest ideas gleaned from the Agora.
In summer, the family eats in the andronitis; we gather to tell and listen to stories in the evenings. In the center a small shrine to Zeus shows our piety. Most of the sleeping chambers are very small, windowless rooms off the andronitis (including rooms for my best household slaves).
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