At the threshold of the roman house: public and private in the sacral topography of the living space

Fedchenko O.

Roman house threshold space was one of the most important sacral components within the confines of the sacra privata during religious festival or sacrifice. The present study examined the life cycle rites and characterize the gods-protectors who was also associated with defense of the home territory. Special status of the threshold was connected with the house architecture in sacred topography context, since it was a boundary between the public and private. Family rituals in relation to threshold, above all was apotropic nature based on this analysis. In addition, of course, the threshold, with its security qualities was protection, in all senses, to the ancient romans, because they believed they would create their own private place behind it.

Keywords:roman house, threshold, public sphere, sacra privata, pater familias, Janus, rite