Basilica+Julia


 * __ The Basilica Julia : __**** by Taylor Wiley **

** Early History ** Between the years of 54-48 BC, Julius Caesar would commence the building of the Basilica Julia, which would prove to be one of the most vital buildings of the Roman Forum. Caesar had the idea of “recreating” the Roman Forum, so the soon to be constructed Basilica Julia would be replacing the former Basilica Sempronia. The Basilica was constructed on the Southern most part of the Forum directly between the Temple of Saturn and the Temple of Castor. In addition, the Basilica was built on the site of the old Basilica and some other shops. Although construction had started in 54 BC, Caesar died before the full completion of the building, and then Augustus finished what was left. The building had also been affected by a couple fires, one of which was in 9 BC. After the first fire, the building was totally reconstructed. Then in the following years of 283 and 410 BCE, the Basilica Julia was ravaged by fire and then underwent the reconstruction process again. Also, when Augustus finished the completion of the building, it was then dedicated in honor of Gaius and Lucius Caesar. ** Architecture of the Basilica ** The Basilica Julia was huge! It had a central nave with 3 stories that flanked the side of it, and it also featured a vaulted ceiling. The Basilica was an architectural feat for the time period. The dimensions of the building from the exterior were 101m by 49 meters. In addition, the building featured 4 lateral aisles while also possessing a vaulted ceiling ornately decorated and having columns as well. One interesting fact about the building is that it had games and graffiti written into the front steps and the pavement surrounding it; the purpose for the games and inscriptions was so that the people could kill time in between trials. The central nave was divided into four parts by wooded dividers so there could be more than one hearing going on at once. The main hall of the building had three stories while the colonnade only had two, and to let natural light in there were windows on the upper part of the nave. Now when you go to see the ruins, you only get to see a glimpse of the original floorplan because all that remains are the stubs where the columns used to be. Also, you see the many columns surrounding the aisle down the middle which would be the central nave. As far as the interior of the building, there were columns on all three stories creating the most sophisticated building in the Forum. ** Function of the Basilica Julia ** The main purpose of the Basilica was to be a communal place for the Romans. Often times the building held meetings and various events when the weather wasn’t permitting in the outdoor Forum. In addition to that, the Basilica housed many of the offices for some of the administrative city officials. The Basilica was a building of business and justice with the fact that it hosted many judicial trials and hearings. The building was home to the Centumviral court and it accommodated anywhere from one hundred to eventually one hundred and eighty court magistrates who heard the court cases. These men were divided into four parts and each part had 45 men and they all worked independently, but whenever there were any large and important cases they all worked together. Also, since the Basilica Julia functioned as the courthouse for the Romans, it was said that many bystanders chose to stand on the upper levels and line the walls, and even also hang over the railings just to listen in on the court case while cheering on. Many times the citizens sat in on these hearings since it was permitted. The two sides of the building that surrounded the central nave were home to shops and businesses on the first level, so that was also one of the major attractions for the roman citizens. One time even the famous emperor Caligula threw money down from the roof of the building because he thought it was amusing to see the people fight over it.

** Works Cited ** "The Basilica Julia." //HOI//. Web. 01 May 2011. . "Basilica Julia." //Sir Thomas Browne//. Web. 02 May 2011. . "Basilica Julia,Forum Romanum (Photo Archive)." //Photo Archive (Photo Archive)//. Web. 01 May 2011. . "Nieuwe Pagina 1." //VITRUVIUS De Architectura Libri X//. Web. 02 May 2011. .