House H9 from Marina el-Alamein – a Research Summary

Abstract

Studies on the relics of the Hellenistic-Roman town at the site of Marina el-Alamein in Egypt have been carried out since 1986. House H9 was one of the first buildings to be excavated, investigated, and preserved through conservation. Successive research has supplemented the previous studies. The house is one of the largest and earliest features at the site. In the context of Marina, it is more firmly embedded in the Greek-Hellenistic tradition, yet also refers to Roman solutions. It is a house of the oikos type, featuring a courtyard with two porticoes situated asymmetrically perpendicular to each other. Elements referring to the Greek systems of prostas and pastas can be discerned in the layout. The research focused on domestic cult as well as elements and character of the decor, including painted interior decoration. Architecture and home furnishings document civilisational changes at the cultural touchpoint between the Greek and Roman traditions.