What are three to six-story apartment buildings with storefronts in Roman cities called?

The term for three to six-story apartment buildings with storefronts in Roman cities is insulae. In ancient Rome, insulae were typically constructed as multi-family dwellings to accommodate the growing urban population. They often featured ground-floor shops or commercial spaces while the upper stories were residential, reflecting the mixed-use nature of urban development during that time.

Insulae were a critical aspect of Roman urban planning, as they allowed for efficient use of limited land and provided housing for lower and middle-income citizens. This was essential in densely populated areas where the availability of land was scarce and expensive. The design and structure of insulae varied, but they commonly included staircases, communal facilities, and sometimes amenities like balconies.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different structures in Roman architecture. Domus refers to single-family homes for the wealthy, basilicae were large public buildings used for various purposes including law courts and marketplaces, and thermae were public baths that served as social and recreational centers. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the multifaceted nature of Roman urban environments.