Fauces (architecture)

Fauces is an architectural term given by Vitruvius to narrow passages on either side of the tablinum, through which access could be obtained from the atrium to the peristylar court in the rear (Vitr. Arch. 6.3.6). Fauces (faucēs -ium, f. meaning a narrow opening in various contexts) is the Latin word for entrance hall, this is where the owner of the house would try to impress his visitors by a large beautiful mosaic on the floor of the entrance hall, some people would have mosaics of animals guarding their homes, this was quite common.