Matching Pairs Roman times: housesOnline version An activity about the different types of houses in the Roman times. by Maddalen Etxeberria 1 INSULAE 2 DOMUS 3 VILLAS Private houses for rich people. They were large homes with an atrium, or patio, in the centre to let in light. Apartment buildings for the poorer people. They had three or four storeys. Most Romans lived in an insula. These buildings were crowded and uncomfortable. Luxury Roman country houses where rich and land owners lived.