Description of the Basilica (Reg VIII, Ins 1, 2) The Basilica stands near the west corner of the Forum and is the oldest and most important public building in Pompeii. Measuring 24 x 55 metres, it was built between 120 and 78 B.C. and is the best example in Pompeii of pre-Roman architecture. The building reflects some of the structural conventions later codified by Vitruvius in his Ten Books on Architecture (Book V, chapter I - 'The Forum and Basilica'), .. .. The interior has a nave and two isles; the nave is bordered on four sides by twenty-eight large brick built columns while half columns embellish the side aisle walls (as pictured below). .. .. However, it differs in the proportions and in the fact that the entrance is on the short side, overlooking the Forum, instead of on the recommended long side; as a result the tribunal (the raised area on which the presiding judges were seated) is also on the short back wall, on an axis with the entrance. .. The illustrations above and left show quite clearly the brick columns and also the half columns on the aisle. .. The Basilica played an important role in both civil and commercial life of Pompeii. Not only was justice administered here, but it was also the focus of the commercial life of the city.

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