This is the most sumptuous room of the villa and, most probably, the place where
the villa owner would entertain his guests (oecus). It must not be forgotten how significant the act of salutatio was for the Romans, whereby those under the protection of a patron (dominus) would pay him homage. |
The floor mosaic was polychrome and of geometric design. In its central part, some
kind of mythological scene may have been represented although it was destroyed
when the villa proprietors turned to Christian practice. |
Archives related to family and house affairs would have also been kept in this room. |
Access to Aula I was by means of a marble step as the room was slightly higher than
the rest. This prominent position as well as a front door embellished with attached
columns helped to praise the figure of the host in front of his clients
who will be waiting in the hall to be received by him. |
