Small insulae (typical house of the Roman Empire)

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The Small Insula Lives On Not only did people live in insulae built almost entirely during the Empire, but most residents called these multi-storied homes home. Houses with two or more floors were common, often allocating the ground floor for one or more commercial activities and others for families of one or two. As you'd expect, central areas boasted higher insulae due to pricey land. The Palatine district, considered the most luxurious, featured five-story buildings that redefined the city's skyline.