Monday, October 31, 2016

Basilica of Maxentius, Rome, Italy, 312 AD

It is evident that the Romans lived like they were gods, and this is because they built like they were gods – colossal, majestic, and structurally remarkable. When studying Roman buildings, it is extremely common to become fascinated with their accomplishments, from the mastery of materials to their ambitious scale of structural grandeur. The Basilica of Maxentius is a prime example of the Romans’ structural ingenuity and the godly level to which they perceived themselves to be a part of.

The remains of the Basilica of Maxentius in Rome, Italy.

Covering an area of almost 70,000 square feet and rising above the ground approximately 115 feet, there is no doubt that the Basilica of Maxentius is one of the most impressive buildings of Ancient Rome. It earns the title as one of the largest concrete structures built in ancient Rome, and remains the title as the tallest structure still standing from the Roman Forum.1 The construction started in 308 AD by the emperor at the time, Maxentius, but completed by "Constantine the Great" after his defeat over Maxentius in the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD.3 This marked a turning point for building in the city of Rome, as the empire began to see a decline in the construction of large vaulted public monuments like that of the basilica.

Traditionally, basilicas were used as public market places and courthouses, acting as roofed extensions of the forum. However, traditional basilicas were built with a flat roof; the Basilica of Maxentius was built with a folded roof, allowing a diminution of the overall weight of the structure and decreasing the horizontal forces exerted on the outer arches. Under the roof, the building consisted of a central nave covered by three groin vaults suspended over 110 feet above the floor on four large piers. It ended in an apse at the western end containing the colossal statue of Constantine, fragments of which are now held in a courtyard in a museum in Rome.   

Proposed section of the Basilica of Maxentius.
The horizontal forces of the groin vaults were held by moderately large nearby aisles (75x56 feet). These aisles were spanned by 3 semi-circular barrel vaults perpendicular to the nave, and narrow arcades ran parallel to the nave beneath the barrel vaults.2 The nave itself covered an area of 21,528 square feet (83x265 feet). Running the length of the southern end of the basilica was a projecting “prostyle” porch with four columns (tetrastyle).

Floor plan of the Basilica of Maxentius.

The Basilica of Maxentius is emblematic for many reasons, from the construction of the Roman forum, to the rebirth of an empire. Most importantly, it serves as a representation of the Roman ingenuity of construction, their mastery of materials, and implementation of unique design. The basilica is a prime example of how Romans used certain techniques that had been formed and matured over time and applied them successfully on a scale that went unmatched. However, even this godly structure is no match for the forces of nature. After an earthquake in 847 AD, the south and central sections of the basilica were destroyed; later on, the nave collapsed in 1349 AD from another earthquake. Only one of the eight 66-feet high columns survived the tremors of these earthquakes and was transported by Pope Paul V to Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.2

Today, the Basilica of Maxentius is a half-cut structure, with the north aisle being exposed, revealing 3 concrete barrel vaults. The ceilings of the barrel vaults are covered with octagonal ceiling coffers showing, yet again, the structural skills of the Romans.

Octagonal ceiling coffers of the Basilica of Maxentius.


Valued for its use of large concrete vaults and referred to as one of the greatest engineering achievements of Rome, what remains of the Basilica of Maxentius can only give us a partial gratitude of the magnificance with which the basilica once stood.
                           
1 Ramos, Katleiah. "Basilica of Maxentius." Engineering Rome. Engineering Rome, 19 Sept. 2013. Web.
2 Norris, Shawn T. "BASILICA OF MAXENTIUS AND CONSTANTINE: A BUILDING FOR EVERY NEED." Rome Across Europe. Rome Across Europe, 21 June 2016. Web.
3 Roth, Leland M. Understanding Architecture: Its Elements, History, and Meaning. New York, NY: Icon Editions, 1993. Pg. 30, 222. Print.

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