What is the term for the dining room in a Roman house?

The term for the dining room in a Roman house is "triclinium." This room was specifically designed for dining and was typically furnished with three couches arranged around a low table, allowing guests to recline while eating, a common practice in Roman dining culture. The layout facilitated a social atmosphere, encouraging conversation and interaction during meals.

In contrast, the vestibulum refers to an entrance or hallway in a Roman house, serving as a transition space from the outside to the interior. Alae are open alcoves that might flank the atrium, often used for various purposes, such as storage or as spaces for family heirlooms. The compluvium is the opening in the roof of the atrium that allows light and rainwater to enter the house, and is not related to dining. Each of these other terms denotes different areas or features within a Roman house, highlighting the unique architectural and social aspects of Roman domestic life.