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 Basilica Argentaria today | |
   Basilica Argentaria Shown within Augustan Rome | |
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| Location | Regio VIII Forum Romanum |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 41°53′38.74″N12°29′3.88″E / 41.8940944°N 12.4844111°E /41.8940944; 12.4844111 |
| Type | Basilica |
| History | |
| Builder | Trajan |
TheBasilica Argentaria is a portico with pillars lining theTemple of Venus Genetrix in theForum of Caesar inRome (Italy). The name only appears in late sources of the age ofConstantine.
The building was erected underTrajan, with the purpose of adapting the slopes of theCapitoline Hill after the removal of the gap between it and theQuirinal Hill.
It was higher than the level of the square and the access was through two staircases on the south-west end of the portico. The portico had two rows of pillars made of tuff stones and its naves were covered withbarrel vaults, partially preserved. As the basilica rose in an obligated space, it has an irregular drawing, turning round the temple and probably continuing out of the present archaeological area, close to the south-westexedra of theTrajan's Forum.
The plaster covering the back wall of the building, still preserved, displays severalgraffiti, some of which quote lines of theAeneid: this detail makes possible that the basilica housed a school, mentioned by late sources about the Trajan's Forum and theForum of Augustus.
Media related toBasilica Argentaria at Wikimedia Commons
| Preceded by Forum Holitorium | Landmarks of Rome Basilica Argentaria | Succeeded by Basilica Julia |