Roman houses, known as domus, were typically designed for wealthy families and featured a central courtyard called the atrium. This open space allowed light and air into the home and often contained a small pool or fountain. Rooms were arranged around the atrium, including areas for dining, sleeping, and entertaining guests. In contrast, the homes of poorer Romans were called insulae, which were multi-story apartment buildings. These structures were often crowded and lacked basic amenities. The lower floors were usually occupied by shops, while the upper levels housed families, highlighting the social and economic differences in ancient Roman society.