What type of community was the insulae primarily designed to support?

The insulae were primarily designed to support the urban working class in ancient Roman cities. These multifamily apartment buildings emerged during a time of rapid urbanization and population growth, providing housing for the many laborers and lower-income citizens who flocked to urban centers for work.

Insulae were characterized by their typically narrow and tall structures, allowing for a higher density of living spaces in a limited area. This design was both practical and economically feasible, catering specifically to the needs of the working class who required affordable housing close to their places of employment. The layout often featured basic amenities, emphasizing functionality over luxury, which aligned perfectly with the lifestyle and financial circumstances of their inhabitants. Thus, the insulae became symbolic of urban life in ancient Rome, reflecting the social and economic dynamics of the time.

In contrast, rural communities, wealthy elites, and agricultural workers had different living situations and requirements, making them less relevant in the context of the insulae's primary purpose. Rural communities typically did not reside in urban structures like insulae, wealthy elites would have lived in more spacious and luxurious homes (domus), and agricultural workers were often tied to the land rather than urban living spaces.