A room with a view? Using virtual reality-based eye tracking and GIS to investigate the ancient domestic space

Abstract

Abstract Ancient sources indicate the importance that view and viewing had within Roman society and particularly in the domestic sphere. Archaeological studies have found evidence of this in the remains of Roman houses in connection with a general rituality underpinning them. View planning would therefore be part of the homeowner’s social paraphernalia. Although relevant, these studies have relied on direct experience of physical remains or models that privileged the single perspective frame. Human perception proves to be more complex, influenced by the body and eye movement and illumination. This research, based on three case studies from the House of the Greek Epigrams in Pompeii and combining virtual reality-based eye-tracking technologies and geographic information systems, presents a novel investigation of perception in the Roman house and its manipulation for the construction of social identity.