Impluvium

An impluvium is the sunken part of the atrium in a Roman house (domus). It is designed to collect rainwater. This rectangular basin, typically made of marble, was positioned beneath a compluvium, an opening in the roof that sloped inward to channel rainwater into the impluvium. The impluvium provided a source of water for household use and often connected to a cistern or other storage facility. The collection of rainwater within the impluvium also served to cool the house during hot weather through evaporation. In addition to its practical function, the impluvium was often a decorative feature of the atrium, sometimes incorporating fountains or other ornamental elements.