The Basilica Julia (Iulia, in Italian) was a huge structure in the Roman Forum in Rome. In Roman times, it was the seat of the magistrates who handled civil trials.
A brief history of the Basilica Julia in Rome
The basilica is located between the Temple of Saturn and the Temple of Castor and Pollux on the site where the Basilica Sempronia used to be.
Although Julius Caesar had begun construction in 54 B.C. (simultaneously with the construction of Caesar’s Forum), the basilica would later be completed by Augustus. Caesar had had the temple built as a gift to Rome, for the city to use as a court house.
Shortly after the basilica was finished, it was already partially destroyed by fire (9 BC). After the restoration, it was dedicated to the emperor’s adoptive grandsons, Gaius and Lucius, although it did retain the name Basilica Julia.
What to see
Much of the basilica’s building materials and decorations were looted and pillaged over the years. Therefore, except for the stairs, the floor and pieces of some of the columns, there is not much left to see.
The central hall of the basilica measured 80 by 18 meters. Around it was a double portico. The outer portico had two floors, the hall itself had one more. The exterior including the portico measured 101 by 49 meters.
Its boundaries are indicated by the two main streets that ran from the Tiber to the Roman Forum, the Vicus Iugarius on the west side and the Vicus Tuscus on the east.
The building served as the seat of the centumviri, 180 magistrates who handled civil cases. These were divided into 4 groups of 45 men, separated only by a kind of curtain, which must have led to fairly chaotic scenes, since the lawyers paid groups of spectators to clap or make disapproving noises at the right moments.
On some of the steps, one can still see game boards scratched into the stone. This is how the paid spectators entertained themselves while waiting for another opportunity to shout “booooeeee” very loudly.
What to know before your visit
The Basilica Giulia is located inside the Roman Forum. Metro: Colosseo (line B). On the first Sunday of the month, the Roman Forum is free. For the various tickets and opening hours and to make reservations, visit the official website of the Colosseum. Almost all of these include the Basilica Giulia.
Basilica Julia, Forum Romanum, Rome
Bibliography
Lucentini, Mauro, The Rome Guide, Step by Step through History’s Greatest City.