Private buildings played an important role in Roman architecture, particularly in the development of urban housing. Wealthy Romans constructed impressive homes and palaces, known as domus, which featured central courtyards, columns, and elaborate decorative features such as frescoes and mosaics. These houses were often designed around social and cultural norms, with separate areas for entertaining, dining, and bathing. The use of concrete and brick allowed for larger, more complex structures, and the demand for housing led to the development of multi-story apartment buildings known as insulae. Private buildings also included commercial structures such as shops and markets, as well as urban fortifications, such as gates and walls, which protected the city from invaders.
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