Basilica of Maxentius - Ancient Rome in 3D - Detailed Virtual Tour- Now and Then views

Summary

This video explores the majestic Basilica of Maxentius, once the largest building in the Roman Forum. Built in the early 4th century, the Basilica was part of Emperor Maxentius' grand architectural restoration of Rome. The video highlights the design, construction, and the architectural influences that shaped the building, including its grand vaulted roof and elegant marble interiors. The Basilica's engineering innovations and its impact on Renaissance architecture are also discussed. Viewers are taken on a virtual tour of both the exterior and interior, culminating in a digital simulation of its eventual destruction.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Basilica of Maxentius was the largest building in the Forum Romanum during its time of glory.
• 👑 It was erected in the early 4th century as part of Emperor Maxentius's extensive architectural program to restore Rome.
• 📍 Located in the heart of Rome on the Via Sacra, it was situated between the Colosseum and the Forum Romanum.
• 🏗️ The Basilica's design was influenced more by the Imperial Forums than by classical basilicas.
• 🚪 It featured two entrances, one from the east and another from the west, with a third entrance on the southern side.
• 🎨 The interior was richly adorned with expensive marbles, gilding, stucco, and paint.
• 🏛️ The central nave was 80m long and 25m wide, with a great cross-vaulted roof reaching about 35m high.
• 🌟 The Basilica was a marvel of engineering, with the largest cross-vaulted hall in antiquity supported by an ingenious system of flying buttresses.
• 🎨 The building's influence on Renaissance architects like Bramante, Raphael, Antonio da Sangallo, and Michelangelo was immense.
• 🗼 It remained in use for centuries, even into the Middle Ages, but eventually lost its original designation and was referred to as the Temple of Romulus.

Q & A

What was the Basilica of Marenos, and where was it located?

The Basilica of Marenos was the largest building in the Forum Romanum, located in the heart of ancient Rome on the Via Sacra, between the Colosseum and the Forum Romanum. It was visible from afar and was part of Emperor Maxentius's architectural program.

When was the Basilica of Marenos built, and by whom?

The Basilica of Marenos was built in the early 4th century by Emperor Maxentius as part of his grand program to restore and rebuild significant parts of ancient Rome.

What architectural features made the Basilica of Marenos unique?

The Basilica of Marenos was notable for its great shell of brick-faced concrete, cross-vaulted roof, and massive scale, with a central nave 80 meters long and 25 meters wide. It featured large round-headed windows, a central nave supported by eight monolithic columns of Phrygian marble, and an intricate design influenced by imperial bathhouses.

How did Emperor Constantine contribute to the Basilica of Marenos?

While it was initially believed that Emperor Constantine significantly altered the design of the Basilica, recent arguments suggest that his contributions were minimal. The original design is attributed to Emperor Maxentius.

What role did the Basilica play in ancient Rome?

The Basilica was one of the last great secular basilicas of Rome and served as a multifunctional building for public and legal activities. Its architectural grandeur made it a central point of admiration in the Forum Romanum.

What materials were used to adorn the interior of the Basilica of Marenos?

The interior was richly adorned with expensive types of marble, gilding, stucco, and paint. The floors were paved with colored marble, and the walls were covered with marble up to the springing of the vaults.

What happened to the Basilica in the later centuries?

The Basilica remained in use for several centuries, but the southern aisle and nave likely collapsed in the earthquake of 847 during Pope Leo IV’s reign. By the 16th century, only one of the eight internal columns remained, which was moved to Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore in 1614.

How did the Basilica influence Renaissance architecture?

The Basilica had a profound impact on Renaissance architects, including Bramante, Raphael, Antonio da Sangallo, and Michelangelo. Its design influenced the construction of the new Basilica of St. Peter’s in Vatican City.

What notable statue was located in the Basilica?

A colossal statue, likely of Emperor Constantine, was located in the western apse of the Basilica. This statue was rebuilt from a statue of Maxentius, which had itself been reworked from an earlier second-century statue.

What remains of the Basilica of Marenos today?

Today, the Basilica of Marenos is a ruin, but its brick-faced concrete structure still stands. Though much of it has collapsed, the remains continue to impress visitors with their massive scale.