Sur les installations de lits de table en sigma dans l'architecture domestique du Haut et du Bas-Empire

Abstract

The introduction of the semi-circular table-bed (sigma or stibadium) took place in the dining-rooms of the Roman world as early as the High Empire, but this piece of furniture chiefly came into fashion with Late Antiquity. After a survey of the evidence of that type of furniture in the earlier centuries, the present article establishes a typology of the sigmas of a later period know through archeology : some are preserved in masonry, occasionally attached to a basin (fountain-sigma) or as stibadia clearly outlined by the contours of the tiled pavement. The inventory allows one to compare the shapes and the cumbersome bulk of the beds and on occasion of their accompanying table. One can thus obtain a better knowledge of the lay-out of the bunks in reception rooms and of the probable number of guests they housed. Meanwhile practical conclusions can be drawn of the functioning of dining-rooms in Late Antiquity dwelling houses.

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