‘Domus, Villa and Farmstead: The Globalization of Crete’

The Villa Dionysos, Knossos is one of the few excavated domus in Crete, and as yet the only example in Knossos. In recent years however, rescue excavations in cities such as Chania and Kastelli have revealed a significant amount of comparative data which allows a better understanding of urban domestic life in Roman Crete. Evidence for domestic occupation in rural areas however remains difficult to define precisely, however survey data in recent years has contributed to a better understanding than previously possible. Previous spatial analysis of the Villa Dionysos has provided interesting results regarding the multi functional aspects of the domus. Using similar methodologies (in particular architectural layout and interior décor), this paper will explore the roles within and of different domestic spaces found in Roman Crete; from small farmsteads to large urban domus. Subsequently the analysis will be applied to help further understand the affects, if any, of Romanization in Crete and to shed light on the changing nature of both private and public life that evolved in the domestic sphere.