Final answer:
Roman insulae were multi-story apartment buildings that housed the urban poor. They were crowded and had limited facilities, but also had small businesses such as bakeries and shops.
Step-by-step explanation:
Roman Insula Structure and Functions
Roman insulae were multi-story apartment buildings that housed the majority of the population. They were typically crowded and had limited facilities. Insulae were rectangular in shape and occupied a city block. They had three to four levels and were known for being overcrowded.
The primary function of insulae was to provide housing for the urban poor. Due to their affordable rents, they attracted a wide range of residents, including laborers, merchants, and freedmen. Insulae had small apartments or rooms on each level, with shared facilities such as communal kitchens, latrines, and, occasionally, shops on the ground floor.
In addition to residential units, insulae sometimes housed small businesses, such as bakeries, workshops, and tabernae (shops). These commercial establishments served the needs of both the residents and the surrounding neighborhoods.