Cubiculum

Cubiculum(bedroom) from the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor atBoscoreale,buried in theeruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD,with reconstructed furniture

The bedroom without furniture, in theMetropolitan Museum of Art

Acubiculum(pl.:cubicula) was a privateroomin adomus,anancient Romanhouse occupied by a high-status family. It usually led directly from theatrium,but in later periods it was sometimes adjacent to theperistyle.It was used for the functions of a modern bedroom, sleep and sex, as well as for business meetings, the reception of important guests and the display of the most highly prized works of art in the house. Thecubiculumwas used for quiet or secret meetings and could have been used as a library. It was also a preferred venue for murder and suicide. A room used only for sleeping was not classed as acubiculum.

The private nature of thecubiculummade it a place for contemplation and religious observance, especially when illicit. According to theActus Silvestri,Constantine the Greatfirst learned ofChristianityin hiscubiculumand fasted there for a week before his firstconfessionandbaptism.