The Construction Of The Basilica Of Maxentius And Constantine

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The Basilica Nova, also known as the New Basilica or the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine is an ancient Roman structure located in the Forum Romanum, or the Roman Forum, in Rome, Italy. At the time of its construction, the Basilica Nova was considered the largest building sitting within the Roman Forum, and the largest structure to be built overall. The construction of the Basilica Nova took place in the Late Imperial Period (3rd-4th centuries CE) and was started in 306 CE under the rule of Constantine’s rival, Emperor Maxentius. However, the structure was not completed until after Maxentius’ defeat by Constantine in the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 CE. Constantine took over and changed the plan of the unfinished basilica and made …show more content…

In this case, the Basilica Nova differs in its unique qualities, such as having two apses, two entrances, and the personalization made by both Emperor Maxentius and Emperor Constantine. Earlier basilicas, such as Trajan’s Basilica, Ulpia, were “columnar halls,” however Maxentius ordered his basilica to mimic the large and vaulted space found in public baths. Basilicas in Ancient Rome served the varying functions of courthouses, council chamber halls and meeting halls. The Basilica Nova is said to be the last essential and regal government building constructed in Rome. The function of the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine served as an administrative center and provided a grandiose site for the emperor when he carried out the role of supreme judge. After Constantine’s reign, many Christian churches imitated the layout of the Basilica in which the apse served as a focal point when designing and constructing basilican churches for Christian worship. This is most likely due to the ample space, allowing for larger congregations, and this structure has less pagan associations than the architecture of many traditional Greco-Roman temples. The building of Christian churches following similar designs as these basilicas led to the term of “basilica” to be synonymous with that of large churches or cathedrals. Although the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine held the wrestling events of the 1960 Summer Olympic Games, the structure now only serves as a tourist point in remembrance of Rome’s

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