The
word “basilica” was originally
used by the Romans to describe a Roman
public building, which was usually located
in the center of town. Eventually they
became Christian churches, but the Basilica
Maxentius was created in a time before
basilicas were churches. Also known as
the “Basilica of Constantine”,
the Basilica Maxentius is located between
the Temple of Amor and Roma and the Temple
of Romulus, to one side of a great public
space called the Forum Romanum.
It was constructed around the year 308
CE and was probably used for things like
commercial and administrative activities.
It is also possible that the basilica
housed the offices of the Prefect of the
City, the highest imperial official of
that age. The site chosen for the basilica
was on the Velia, a low ridge connecting
the Esquiline Hill and the Palatine Hill.
It was the center of power for Rome, so
it was important that this building be
as close as possible.
The
Basilica of Maxentius is built with arches,
which is very unusual as most basilicas
are box shaped. Most of the building is
missing now, but even though much has
collapsed the building is still impressive.
The basilica is/was supported by eight
monolithic Corinthian columns with two
aisles forming three interconnected coffered
vaults. It had a vast open space that
could shelter large crowds who needed
to go about the business of interacting
with the government of Rome. Over time
various parts of the building were added
and subtracted, with most of the construction
centering on expanding the building. Today
the Basilica Maxentius is a focal point
for anyone who visits the Forum Romanum,
and it sees hundreds of tourists arrive
every year.
Basilica
of Maxentius Travel Links |
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