Basilica Aemilia/Basilica Paulli

You are viewing the Basilica Aemilia, which balances the Basilica Iulia on the south side of the Forum. This basilica extends from the Temple of Faustina to the Argiletum along the north side of the Forum; the great hall down the center of the structure is 90m long and there are two smaller aisles along the sides of this main hall (see plan). Like the Basilica Julia, this basilica's great hall is usually occupied with the activities of the law courts. The basilica was once decorated with a frieze depicting scenes from the foundation of Rome (see below), but little remains today of this once imposing building.

The Basilica Aemilia was first constructed in 179 BCE during the censorship of Marcus Aemilius Lepidus. The use of the name "Basilica Aemilia et Fulvia" suggests the involvement of the co-censor of 179, Marcus Fulvius Nobilior, in the development of the site. It was, however, the descendents of M. Aemilius Lepidus who continued to develop and decorate the basilica throughout the Republic.

Two major renovations took place during the Republic, both by members of the Aemilian gens. Decorations of shields and family portraits were added in 78 BCE by the consul Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, as clearly shown on this coin depicting the basilica, issued by his son, the future triumvir Lepidus, about 61 BCE. A major renovation, funded by Julius Caesar in 55 BCE, was carried out by the aedile Lucius Aemilius Paullus. The praise for this renovation in Pliny, Plutarch and Appian suggests the reason that almost all later references to this building are to the "Basilica Paulli." This restoration was not completed until 34 BCE, during the consulship of Paullus Aemilius Lepidus.

During the Empire, members of the same family continued to support the upkeep of the structure, largely funded by the emperor. In 14 BCE, after a fire, the restoration was funded by Augustus, when the shops on the Forum side were replaced by an impressive colonnaded portico two storeys high. This was most likely the porticus dedicated in 2 BCE to Augustus's grandsons and adopted heirs, Gaius and Lucius (see Forum drawing and the beautifully cut inscription to Lucius Caesar). Another member of the family, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, renovated the building in 22 CE.

Reconstruction images courtesy of UCLA's Digital Roman Forum.