Tablinum
In the Roman house, the tablinum (plural: tablina) was an office where the pater familias would conduct business. It is derived from the Latin tabula, a writing tablet. In the idealized Roman atrium style house, the tablinum would be located off the atrium opposite the entrance to the house. Not every Roman house would have this exact layout, but it is a relatively common plan at sites in which a large number of private residences survive, such as Pompeii. It would also often be located between the atrium and another open area such as a hortus or peristyle courtyard, which would allow ample airflow and a comfortable climate. The pater familias would receive cliens in this room, which would be accessible without passing through some of the more private areas of a residence. It would often be richly decorated in order to project the wealth and importance of the owner to his visitors.
