- Basilica Ulpia
The Basilica Ulpia was an ancient Roman civic building located in the
Forum of Trajan . It was named after Roman emperorTrajan whose full name was Marcus Ulpius Traianus.cite book | first=Leland M. | last=Roth | year=1993 | title=Understanding Architecture: Its Elements, History and Meaning | edition=First | publisher=Westview Press | location=Boulder, CO | id=ISBN 978-0-06-430158-9 | pages=222]It became perhaps the most important
basilica after two ancient ones, the Basilicas Aemilia and Julia. With its construction, much of the political life moved from theRoman Forum to the Forum of Trajan. It remained so until the construction of theBasilica of Maxentius and Constantine .Unlike later
Christian basilicas, it had no known religious function; it was dedicated to the administration ofjustice ,commerce and the presence of theemperor . It was the largest inRome measuring 117 by 55 meters (385 x 182 ft).The Basilica Ulpia was composed of a great central
nave with four aisles divided by rows of columns and apses at the ends. The columns and the walls were of precious marbles; the 50 meter (164 ft) high roof was covered by gildedbronze tiles.Many of the columns still exist on site, although a large number have fallen. Part of the foundation of the basilica continues today under the modern
Via dei Fori Imperiali , atrunk road constructed during the rule ofBenito Mussolini . The whole of the construction was decorated with war spoils and trophies from theDacian Wars conducted under the command ofTrajan .References
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