The Basilica of Maxentius, also called the Basilica of Constantine, was the largest building in the Roman Forum, begun by the emperor Maxentius and finished by Constantine after he defeated Maxentius at the Milvian Bridge. It was a vast hall used for legal and administrative business, with huge concrete vaults rising high above the ground. In the western apse stood a colossal seated statue of Constantine, whose head, hand and other fragments are now in the Capitoline Museums. Only the northern aisle, with three great coffered arches, survives today. Its design influenced later architects, and Renaissance builders studied the ruins closely. In modern times the site has been used for summer concerts.
Before and after
- 3rd centuryOrigins of Mangup
- 303 CEConstruction of Etchmiadzin Cathedral
- 23 February 303 CEThe Great Persecution of Christians begins
- from 304 CE to 439 CESixteen Kingdoms
- 312 CEOrigins of Basilica of Maxentius
- June 313 CEEdict of Milan
- 25 July 315 CEConstruction of Arch of Constantine
- from 320 CE to 550 CEGupta Empire
- 325 CEFirst Council of Nicaea
More in Civilizations & archaeology
- c. 1,274 BCEConstruction of Abu Simbel
- from 8th century BCE to 3rd centuryClassical antiquity
- from 206 BCE to 220 CEHan dynasty
- 200 BCEOrigins of Nazca Lines
- 19 BCEConstruction of Western Wall
- from 375 CE to 568 CEMigration Period
The era
This moment belongs to the Ancient civilizations (3,200 BCE to 500 CE), writing, cities and empires. You can also browse everything in the 4th century.