Looking around the courtyard you see, a stone pillar, with a carved snake, in the middle of the room dedicated to Zeus Herkeios, who protects the storerooms, and to Agathos Daimon, the spirit in the shape of a bearded snake who protects the family. I'm afraid I'm not wealthy enough to have both an andronitis (courtyard for men) and a gynaeconitis (courtyard for women) but since I'm not married and I still practice the old custom of having the women join us in the andronitis, it is quite sufficient. In the front right corner of the room is the well-head that leads to a cistern containing my water supply. Around the room are seven couches which are all that can be used at a small symposium and still allow everyone to speak to each other without raising their voice.

On one of the inner walls is engraved the ten "commandments" of Solon:

• Put more trust in nobility of character than in an oath.
• Never tell a lie.
• Pursue worthy aims.
• Do not be rash to make friends and, when once they are made, do not drop them.
• Learn to obey before you command.
• In giving advice seek to help, not to please, your friend.
• Be led by reason.
• Shun evil company.
• Honor the gods.
• Reverence parents.