07_07_09_Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine

ROMAN FORUM Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine

Among the many ruins found in the historical Roman Forum, the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine, towers over all as the largest structure. Found in the north side of the Forum, this structure covered about 7,000 square yards in the shape of a rectangular platform during the time of the Roman Empire. While construction began during the reign of emperor Maxentius in 308 A.D., the completion of the basilica in 312 A.D. was never seen by Maxentius, who was defeated by Constantine I at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. Composed of brick-faced concrete, this impressive engineering work was uniquely constructed using arches, a common feature seen in Roman baths rather than basilicas. The use of arches, replacing typical support columns, showcases one of the most advanced engineering techniques used during that time. Three groin vaults, all that remains today, surrounded an open central nave that was 265 feet and 83 feet wide. A large open space in the central nave is a distinctive characteristic of several basilicas at that time. Aisles, divided into three sections, were occupied by massive piers, which extended from the nave. While columns did not support the vaults, eight marble columns stood in front of the piers, on the corners of the nave. A statue of Constantine stood at the west end of the nave. On the outside walls of the Basilica, maps of various stages of Roman Empire rule decorated the white color of the building before it was destroyed. Functioning as a courthouse, council chamber, and meeting hall during the years of the Roman Empire, in modern times it is viewed as a place of worship. The average Roman may have viewed this building with much esteem and reverence for its structural excellence and size. When I first saw this Basilica, I was amazed by the sense of grandiosity this building once had and still does to this day, due to its extraordinary remains. Imagining its size and what it may have looked like when it was first built fascinates me. Today, the site of the three concrete barrel vaults still standing without support, decorated with detailed hexagonal and octagonal coffers, is a true sign that the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine is the greatest of the Roman basilicas.
Renee Cloutier, Survey of Art and Architecture in Italy, St John’s University