Unit 6
Residential Unit 6
Residential Unit 6 is situated at the lowest part of the Northern Terrace, northeast of Terrace House 2. In the 2nd century AD, this large residential unit, originally covering 620 m², was expanded southward into a lavish city palace spanning 950 m² with the addition of the Marble Hall (31) and the basilica or apsidal hall (8).
Access to Residential Unit 6 was through Curetes Street, where a staircase led to the columned courtyard (31a). Measuring 251.5 m², the unit stood out for its multi-story structure and luxurious interior. Like the other formal rooms in Terrace House 2, the floors and walls of Unit 6 were adorned with marble. Twelve large columns with Corinthian capitals supported wooden column bases.
To the north of Unit 6 was a spacious room (31b) measuring 25.5 m², which opened almost entirely onto the courtyard. Traces of columns and wall cabinets suggest that this room housed a small aedicula, likely used for family archives and library storage, as well as family rituals.
The western section of the expansive courtyard (31a) delineated the boundaries of partially heated formal rooms (36c-e). During the second construction phase around AD 120, Room 42 was redesigned and decorated with unique wall paintings inspired by Western styles, while its floor remained covered with classic and local carpets. At this stage, a multi-room bathing complex (M1-3) was added to the eastern passage of the columned courtyard (31a). Its entrance was located on the western side, opening into the courtyard through large arched glass windows. During the renovation phase, the southern passage was separated from the courtyard with railings, fences, and marble pathways.
In Construction Phase 4 (after AD 230), a marble-clad toilet was added at the western end of the corridor, along with a staircase leading to the upper floor of the residential unit.
Marble Hall
The grand formal rooms were located in the southern section of the columned courtyard. The magnificent Marble Hall (31), spanning 178 m², was accessible from the southern promenade. This opulent space, used for banquets and receptions, was designed to accommodate at least nine spacious klinai (couches), each capable of seating three people. The hall was adorned with highly valuable and luxurious decorations, including marble-covered floors and walls, gold leaf embellishments, intricately carved wooden ceiling decorations, and fountains.
The large formal rooms to the west of the Marble Hall included:
The Spacious Courtyard (36): Covering an area of 58 m², this courtyard featured a deep groin vault and was illuminated by a circular opening in the ceiling.
The Apsidal Hall (8): Measuring 80 m², this hall was situated adjacent to the building’s southern side and was accessible via a staircase framed by statues of Aphrodite. Used for hosting guests and feasts, its original design was richly decorated with marble panels and glass mosaics.
The Stucco Room (8a): This small yet meticulously decorated 18 m² room was accessed through a door on the western wall of the apsidal hall. It was reserved for intimate gatherings with close friends and cult rituals.
Formal Room (36a): Another finely adorned formal room, which opened into Courtyard 36.
Natural light entered through two ceiling openings. A clean water basin on the north wall of the room housed decorative fish or preserved food items.
A staircase (32a) in Courtyard 36 led to the first floor, where additional rooms were lavishly furnished. Unlike the second floor, which contained kitchens and production rooms, the first floor was exclusively used for presentation purposes.
