Edited volume, from the first Williams Symposium on Classical Architecture, explores well-appointed Roman country houses, examining villa composition, economy, and society using archaeological and textual evidence. Also investigates why Greeks didn't adopt the villa lifestyle as Romans did. A foundation for future studies of the villa phenomenon. This edited volume, based on the first Williams Symposium on Classical Architecture, held at the University of Pennsylvania in April 1990, focuses on the theme of the well-appointed Roman country house. Using archaeological and textual evidence, the chapters address issues of villa composition, economy, and society. The volume also explores the possible reasons that Greeks did not embrace the villa lifestyle as the Romans so eagerly did. Finally, this book provides a promising foundation for future studies of the nature of the villa phenomenon.

Contributors: Lisa Fentress, Chrystina H?uber, Adolf Hoffmann, Ann Kuttner, Hans Lauter, Guy Metraux, Richard Neudecker, Andrew Wallace-Hadrill.