What term refers to the rough equivalent of present-day tenement cities that existed in ancient Rome due to population growth?

The term that refers to the rough equivalent of present-day tenement cities in ancient Rome, resulting from population growth, is insula. In ancient Rome, insulae were multi-story apartment buildings that housed the lower and middle classes. Given the significant urbanization and population density of Rome, many people lived in these structures, which were often constructed with limited attention to safety and comfort.

Insulae were typically made of concrete and brick, and they could accommodate numerous families, similar to modern tenement buildings. Their design was a response to the needs of a growing urban population, providing more housing in limited space while often leading to overcrowded and substandard living conditions.

In contrast, domus refers to a single-family home typically occupied by the wealthier citizens of Rome, while civitas denotes a city-state or community, specifically regarding the rights of its citizens. Forum refers to the public square or marketplace in Roman cities, serving as a social and political center, rather than a residential structure. Thus, insula is the term that most accurately captures the essence of dense, multi-family living arrangements similar to today's tenements.