Compared to Greek interiors, Roman interiors were described as ________.

• A. spare and austere
• B. minimalist
• C. lavish in form
• D. functional

Answer: (C)

Roman interiors were described as lavish in form because, unlike Greek interiors which favored restrained proportion and simplicity, Roman spaces celebrated decoration, opulence, and abundance. Wealthy Roman homes and public interiors headline their grandeur with extensive wall paintings and mosaics, marble and gilded surfaces, elaborate stucco ceilings, and richly carved furnishings. These elements created a sense of display and magnificence aimed at showcasing power and wealth, rather than just serving practical needs. That emphasis on ornate decoration and sumptuous materials is why lavish in form best captures the Roman approach. The other descriptions don’t fit as well: Greek interiors leaned toward balance and restraint, while terms like minimalist or purely functional don’t reflect the decorative excess that characterized Roman interiors.