In the Early Christian period, the life and the general aspect of the cities were little different from in the Roman period. But as Christianity became more firmly entrenched, the construction of churches and the buildings around them created large complexes which changed the layout and the appearance of the cities and attracted various administrative and social, as well as religious, activities.

The second gallery of the exhibition, which was inaugurated on July 10th, 1998, is organized around the triclinium, that is the reception hall of a rich house in Thessaloniki. It presents issues that emphasize the role of the city as a fortified residential complex, its private and public life, professional activities, economic life, commerce, workshops, houses and their equipment (pottery and glass vessels), domestic activities (weaving, cooking) and objects for personal adornment.