A Galilean Family Room
This room was the center of family life. It was probably used for eating, for storing food, and for socializing with extended family. Guests could be invited in if the weather was inappropriate for dining outdoors in the courtyard.
A small wooden table stands in one corner. Wealthy people reclined as they ate, while poorer people sat on the floor or on small benches.
Food was served on pottery plates or in pottery bowls. Apparently, Jewish laws of "clean" and "unclean"commanded that different pottery be used for various types of food (to prevent mixing meat and dairy, for example), so cleaning the serving and eating implements was important.
Beyond the room is a small chamber in the floor, providing a cool area for storing grain, wine, or oil. Branches above provide a ledge for storing food items. The walls and floor are typical of the houses Jesus knew.
