The latifundium is a large agricultural plot of land, usually belonging to a single landowner.
There was at least one large farm, called pars or villa rustica in Roman times, plus several houses for settlers and accommodation for the many slaves, who were essential for work in the fields.
The harvest was kept in large stores, often located close to or well connected with public roads to facilitate trade.
The owner lived, including for long periods of time, in a villa usually located in the centre of the vast property. The villa was the operating centre of the territory’s production activities, the negotium, but was also a place of otium for high-class members of Roman aristocracy, especially during the imperial period, when use of the residence in the countryside became more widespread.
