 Reconstruction of the basilica | |
   Basilica Ulpia Shown within Augustan Rome | |
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| Coordinates | 41°53′44″N12°29′04″E / 41.89556°N 12.48457°E /41.89556; 12.48457 |
|---|---|
| Type | Basilica |
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TheBasilica Ulpia was an ancient Roman civic building located in theForum of Trajan. The Basilica Ulpia separates the temple from the main courtyard in the Forum of Trajan with theTrajan's Column to the northwest.[1] It was named after Roman emperorTrajan whose full name was Marcus Ulpius Traianus.[2]
It became perhaps the most importantbasilica after two ancient ones, theBasilicas Aemilia andJulia. With its construction, much of the political life moved from theRoman Forum to the Forum of Trajan. It remained so until the construction of theBasilica of Maxentius and Constantine.
Unlike laterChristian basilicas, it had no known religious function; it was dedicated to the administration ofjustice,[3]commerce and the presence of theemperor. It was the largest inRome measuring 117 by 55 meters (384 by 180 ft).[2]
The Basilica Ulpia was composed of a great centralnave with four side aisles, two on each side of the nave. The short sides of the structure formedapses, while the main entrance was via three doorways on the long east front overlooking the Forum of Trajan, which was one meter below the level of the Basilica.[4] The columns and the walls were of precious marbles; the 50 meters (160 ft) high roof was covered by gildedbronze tiles.
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The east façade featured a portico with three projecting porches. The center porch framed the main entrance and was the grandest, with 10 columns of yellow marble supporting it. Atop the center porch over an elaborate attic and entablature was a gilt bronzequadriga (four-horse chariot) escorted byVictories, with the two flanking porches topped bybigae (two-horse chariots).[4][5] Between the chariots were colossal statues of Trajan. The many rows of columns separating the side aisles are a traditional means of structure for basilicas. This method of structure can be traced back to Egyptianhypostyle Halls.[6] The Basilica Ulpia is very similar to one of the most famous hypostyle halls,Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak.
The apse at the northeast end of the Basilica is labelledLibertatis on a fragment of theMarble Plan of Rome, which suggests that it assumed the functions of theAtrium Libertatis, previously located in theForum Romanum, the place where slaves were legallymanumitted. As such there was likely a shrine toLibertas placed in the apse.[7]
Many of the columns still exist on site, although a large number have fallen. The whole of the construction was decorated with war spoils and trophies from theDacian Wars conducted under the command ofTrajan. The frieze above the entrance was inscribed with the names of the victorious legions involved in the Dacian campaign.[8]
Later, it was used as the architectural prototype byConstantine as the basis for the layout of the new Christian churches. The Basilica Ulpia was used as to model for Constantine completion of theBasilica of Maxentius.[9]
The Basilica Ulpia was first excavated by the occupying French government ofNapoleon Bonaparte in 1813, after two convents on the site were demolished (Santo Spirito anddi Santa Eufemia).[10] In 1814Pope Pius VII returned from exile and resumed the excavations: it was under Pius that the grey granite columns were reassembled on their bases and walls built to delineate the excavation area. The excavations also uncovered the remains of the pavement made from rare marbles, which gradually disappeared over the course of the 19th century due to rapacious tourists.[10]
Clement VII removed several of the yellowgiallo antico marble columns which once flanked the doorways of the structure toSaint Peter's Basilica, where they were erected in the transept, while one went to theLateran Palace.[10]
Part of the foundation of the basilica continues today under the modernVia dei Fori Imperiali, atrunk road constructed during the rule ofBenito Mussolini.
The reconstruction of the basilica, planned by former Rome MayorIgnazio Marino in 2014, began in 2021. The work will be carried out by the method ofanastilosis, in which the ruins are restored using the original architectural elements. The funds for the reconstruction in the amount of 1.5 million euros were donated by the Uzbek-Russian oligarchAlisher Usmanov.[11]
Media related toBasilica Ulpia (Rome) at Wikimedia Commons
| Preceded by Basilica of Neptune | Landmarks of Rome Basilica Ulpia | Succeeded by Comitium |
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