villa
villawas the Latin word for a rural dwelling associated with an estate, and ranging in character from functional farms to the luxurious country seats of the élite (Varro, De re rustica 1. 11. 1–12. 4; 3. 2. 1–2. 18). Most of the literary evidence relates to Italy and primarily described farms run for the benefit of urban-based proprietors (Vitruvius De architectura 6. 6. 1), though the most opulent seaside villas of the Roman aristocracy were sometimes built solely for pleasure. Aristocratic enjoyment of rural retreats and pride in creating architectural splendours there are well attested (Pliny, Epistulae 2. 17). However, the classic Italian villa, comprising a luxurious dwelling for the use of the owner on visits to the estate (pars urbana), the working farm buildings (pars rustica), and the storage buildings and barns (pars fructuaria), is perfectly illustrated by the excavations at Settefinestre, with its...
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