Rome - Basilica of Maxentius Basilica di Massenzio

The ruins of the Basilica of Maxentius or of Constantine (begun in A.D. 306-312 by Maxentius and completed by Constantine), between the Via dei Fori Imperiali and the Forum, still give an imposing impression of this great building, which, like other Roman basilicas, served both as a law court and a place for doing business. The central aisle, with a vaulted roof, measured 60x25m/220x80ft, and rose to a height of 35m/115ft; the lateral aisles were 24.5m/80ft high.

The basilica was modeled on the gigantic Baths erected by Caracalla and Diocletian. The main piers were fronted by massive Corinthian columns, one of which, bearing a statue of the Virgin, now stands in front of the church of Santa Maria Maggiore. This last great building of the Roman Imperial period - inaugurated in the year in which the capital was moved to Constantinople - provided the inspiration for later European architecture, including St Peter's. The ruin of the basilica was hastened when Pope Honorius I removed the bronze roof-tiles and used them to roof Old St Peter's. An earthquake in the ninth century caused further damage. The remains of a statue of Constantine, which once stood in the first apse of the basilica, may be seen in the courtyard of the Palazzo dei Conservatori.