What was the rough equivalent of the modern tenement cities in ancient Rome?

The insula is recognized as the rough equivalent of modern tenement cities in ancient Rome. Insulae were multi-storied apartment buildings that accommodated the urban population, especially the lower and middle classes. In ancient Rome, where land was scarce and population density was high, these structures provided essential housing solutions for numerous residents.

Typically built of brick, concrete, or wood, insulae could rise several stories high, with shops on the ground floor and living quarters above. They reflected the social stratification of Roman society; wealthier individuals often lived in more spacious apartments on the lower floors, while the poorer inhabitants occupied the less desirable upper floors, which were less stable and lacked amenities such as running water and proper sanitation. This arrangement mirrors the concept of tenements today, which are designed to house multiple families in a single building, often with limited space and shared facilities.

The other options presented do not exhibit the same function or social structure as insulae. An agora was a central public space used for gatherings and marketplaces, a fortress typically refers to a fortified building or complex meant for defense, and a forum served as a public square for discussion, commerce, and social interaction—none of which relate specifically to residential living arrangements comparable to modern ten