Basilica Aemilia

Basilica Aemilia
Computer generated reconstruction of the basilica as it appeared under Augustus
Basilica Aemilia
Shown in ancient Rome
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LocationRegio IV Templum Pacis
Coordinates41°53′33″N 12°29′10″E / 41.892554°N 12.48623°E / 41.892554; 12.48623
TypeBasilica
History
BuilderMarcus Fulvius Nobilior
Founded34 BCE

The Basilica Aemilia (Italian: Basilica Emilia), or the Basilica Paulli, was a civil basilica in the Roman Forum. Lucius Aemilius Paullus initiated its construction, but the building was completed by his son, Paullus Aemilius Lepidus, in 34 BCE. Under Augustus, it was reconstructed in 22 CE and was described by Pliny as one of the most beautiful examples of Roman architecture. Today, only fragments of the floorplan and colonnade remain, but a sculptural frieze from the basilica's interior was partially reconstructed and is now on display in the cloister of Santa Francesca Romana.