Contrary to tradition, the main entrance into the Basilica was on the short side of the building at the intersection of Via Marina and the Forum, although there are two small doors on the longer sides.
This majestic building from the 2nd century B.C. housed the town's law courts and, according to an engraving found during archaeological digs, was called the "basilica". However it is quite likely that this was also a place where businessmen would make deals, a sort of "stock market" in the centre of a town in which commercial trading played a crucial role in the local economy.
The Basilica was always a hive of activity with large numbers of people bustling about their daily business here as if the place were a sort of covered Forum. Evidence of this can be seen in the hundreds of examples of graffiti, including some particularly vulgar expressions, scratched onto the walls.
The spacious central area, bounded on all four sides by 28 wide brick columns 11 metres in height, was covered by a tile roof. The side walls were decorated with first style stucco work and Ionic semi-columns. A gallery stood on top of this with large openings in its outer walls to let daylight into the Basilica.
On the side opposite the entrance and projecting slightly from the building's rectangular perimeter, there is a small dais that stands about 2 metres higher than the surrounding area and seems to have been an altar. In front of this were six Corinthian columns, two of which were joined to sections of wall creating two side chambers.
This raised area was probably the tribunal which, as it was not linked to the main area in any way, must have been a sacred aedicula containing statues of gods.
The judicial functions on the other hand, were probably carried out in the chambers set on either side from which staircases also led into the crypt below the podium.In actual fact the most likely interpretation is that this was where the magistrate would sit during trials and the lack of a permanent staircase can be explained by the need to guarantee the judge's isolation and safety from the frequently violent reactions of the citizens standing trial. Hence a wooden staircase was probably provided.
Contrary to tradition, the main entrance into the Basilica was on the short side of the building at the intersection of Via Marina and the Forum, although there are two small doors on the longer sides.
This majestic building from the 2nd century B.C. housed the town's law courts and, according to an engraving found during archaeological digs, was called the "basilica". However it is quite likely that this was also a place where businessmen would make deals, a sort of "stock market" in the centre of a town in which commercial trading played a crucial role in the local economy.
The Basilica was always a hive of activity with large numbers of people bustling about their daily business here as if the place were a sort of covered Forum. Evidence of this can be seen in the hundreds of examples of graffiti, including some particularly vulgar expressions, scratched onto the walls.
The spacious central area, bounded on all four sides by 28 wide brick columns 11 metres in height, was covered by a tile roof. The side walls were decorated with first style stucco work and Ionic semi-columns. A gallery stood on top of this with large openings in its outer walls to let daylight into the Basilica.
On the side opposite the entrance and projecting slightly from the building's rectangular perimeter, there is a small dais that stands about 2 metres higher than the surrounding area and seems to have been an altar. In front of this were six Corinthian columns, two of which were joined to sections of wall creating two side chambers.
This raised area was probably the tribunal which, as it was not linked to the main area in any way, must have been a sacred aedicula containing statues of gods.
The judicial functions on the other hand, were probably carried out in the chambers set on either side from which staircases also led into the crypt below the podium.In actual fact the most likely interpretation is that this was where the magistrate would sit during trials and the lack of a permanent staircase can be explained by the need to guarantee the judge's isolation and safety from the frequently violent reactions of the citizens standing trial. Hence a wooden staircase was probably provided.
Gallery 8