Rome:
As It Was
Basilicas
Basilica Aemilia
Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine
The basilica was built by Emperor Maxentius, construction began between 306 and 310 C.E. and was not finished until 313 C.E. by the Emperor Constantine. The basilica was 330 ft long and 197 ft wide. The Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine was the largest building built in the Roman Forum. It has become known as one of the most magnificent buildings due to its size, beauty and architectural advancements during the time period it was built. The rounded ceilings were the first of its kind and became the model for a number of future buildings including St-Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City. The basilica had the primary purpose of serving as a court house, council chamber and meeting hall for Rome's population.
The Basilica Aemilia was built in the year 179 B.C.E. by government officials Marcus Fulvius Nobilior and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus. The purpose of the basilica was often for governmental functions, such as meetings and discussions among the cities governing bodies. The side of the building facing the Roman Forum displayed a series of shops; this area was called the Tabernae Novae. This was essentially a shopping complex on the lower level of the basilica facing the Roman Forum. The basilica was 308 ft long and 79 ft wide and the interior had many different rooms and floors. It was described as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world before it was destroyed by fire. Due to occasional fire damage, the basilica was rebuilt many times by the ruling Emperors. The construction of the Basilica Aemilia helped support the rapid growth of Rome's population as it gave the politicians a place to discuss how Rome would be governed.
A basilica during the Roman period was considered a public building and was often found in the town forum. The Romans used basilicas as a place to perform business transactions and legal matters. Basilicas were very important to Roman cities as all established settlements had one. The typical architecture of a basilica consisted of interior colonnades dividing the structure into ailes and rooms.