Basilica of Maxentius

Not your traditional Roman basilica.
This was the last basilica constructed in the Forum and it's known as the basilica of two emperors: Maxentius and later Constantine. Construction began in 308 CE with the purpose of administrative offices of the city’s Prefect. However, Maxentius was defeated at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, so it was Constantine who finished the basilica four years later. The emperor altered the original plan to suit his taste. Unlike traditional basilicas, this one used arches similar to those found in Roman baths in addition to a folded roof to decrease the building's weight. With 8 massive marble columns, the structure was raised on a concrete platform with a large, central nave. Today only one of these columns still exists, known as Colonna della Pace, and it stands freely outside Rome's Santa Maria Maggiore. The basilica's open nave was covered by three groin vaults and held by flanking aisles on four large piers. In the western end was the apse, where the altar would be, and where a colossal statue of Constantine stood. Remnants of it can still be seen in a courtyard of the Musei Capitolini on Capitoline Hill!

What became of the Forum's largest building?
Over time, the basilica was damaged by multiple earthquakes. Unfortunately, what we see today is only the north aisle with its three concrete barrel vaults. Before we leave, let's have a good look at the outside walls of the basilica. Do you see the contemporary maps? These were added during the Fascist regime of Benito Mussolini. They depict various stages of the Roman Empire's rise to power. A map of Mussolini's depiction of his own "New Roman Empire" was removed from this wall after the second World War. In addition to inspiring Mussolini with its powerful past, the Basilica of Maxentius was also said to have inspired the original design of New York City's famous Penn Station. During the 1960 Summer Olympic Games, wrestling events were also hosted here.