This volume compiles a wealth of newly translated Latin and ancient Greek sources-treatises, letters, poems, histories, biographies, and other works of literary art-to vividly convey the architectural, economic, social, political, and cultural significance of ancient Roman villas from their Greek antecedents through the early Christian period.

This authoritative compendium of newly translated primary sources reveals ancient Roman attitudes on every aspect of villas, from selection of place and construction activities to day-to-day management and lived experiences.