Oecus

The Oecus (from Greek οἶκος "house", "housing " ) is a space in the Roman house, similar to the triclinium. The oecus but is generally larger, so the ceiling must be supported by columns. As the triclinium also serves as a representative of oecus space for receiving guests.

Vitruvius ( de architectura 6.3.8-10, 6.7 ) distinguishes four types of oecus:

• Tetrastyle: with four columns
• Corinthian: a row of columns that supports an architrave with overlying cornice and an arched ceiling
• Egyptian: particularly splendid form of oecus, with running all around pillars that support a likewise provided with columns gallery
• Kyzikenisch ( κυζίκηνοι of Cyzicus, an ancient city in Mysia ): a very spacious, north -length of the garden oecus, which was common among the Greeks.

The OECI were magnificently furnished and decorated often with large paintings ( Megalographien ). The OECI are known in the Villa Boscoreale, in the house of the Vettii with the very fine paintings in the 4th style and especially the oecus Villa of the Mysteries, the so-called mysteries hall with its world famous Dionysiac frieze.