Swastika House

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Coimbra > Condeixa-a-Nova > Conímbriga > Sítio Arqueológico

Location

The Domus of the Swastika is integrated into the vast and impressive archaeological site of Conímbriga, one of the most significant Roman cities in the Iberian Peninsula. It stands among the ruins that once formed a prosperous urban center, allowing visitors direct immersion into the daily life of an affluent Roman residence. The site offers a privileged perspective on the vast expanse of the ancient city, surrounded by the gentle landscape of the Coimbra region.

History and Symbolism

This remarkable Roman residential structure owes its name to its most distinctive feature: a mosaic with a clearly visible swastika on its floor. It is crucial to understand that, in the context of Classical Antiquity, and specifically in Roman culture, the swastika was a symbol of good luck, prosperity, fortune, and well-being, common in various artistic and cultural manifestations. Its presence in this domus underscores the belief of its inhabitants in divine protection and good fortune, reflecting the values and superstitions of the time.

The Architecture of a Noble Residence

The Domus of the Swastika is an excellent example of the complexity and luxury of Roman dwellings. Typically structured around a peristyle, an interior garden courtyard surrounded by a colonnade, the house revealed the opulence and social status of its owners. The various compartments, from bedrooms (cubicula) to dining rooms (triclinia) and service areas, were organized to optimize the privacy, comfort, and social functions of its inhabitants. Vestiges of advanced heating and plumbing systems can be observed, testifying to ingenious Roman engineering.

In addition to the famous swastika mosaic, the domus once showcased other floors richly decorated with geometric patterns and possibly figurative representations. The walls, in turn, would have been adorned with vibrant frescoes, transforming each room into a functional work of art that not only beautified the space but also told stories or conveyed messages, offering a window into Roman aesthetic taste and daily life.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt