ĀTRĬUM

(called αὐλή by the Greeks and by Virgil, and also μεσαύλιον , περίστυλον , περίστῳον ) is used in a distinctive as well as collective sense, to designate a particular part in the private houses of the Romans [ Domus ], and also a cla of public buildings, so called from their general resemblance in construction to the atrium of a private house. An atrium of the latter description was a building by itself, resembling in some respects the open basilica [ Basilica ], but consisting of three sides. Such was the Atrium Publicum in the capitol, which, Livy informs us, was struck with lightning, B.C. 216. It was at other times attached to some temple or other edifice, and in such case consisted of an open area and surrounding portico in front of the structure. Several of these buildings are mentioned by the ancient historians, two of which were dedicated to the same godde , Libertas. The most celebrated, as well as the most ancient, was situated on the Aventine Mount. In this atrium there was a tabularium, where the legal tablets ( tabulae ) relating to the censors were preserved. The other Atrium Liber tat is was in the neighbourhood of the Forum Caesar is, and was immediately behind the Basilica Paulli or Aemilia.