A basilica in ancient Rome was a large, public building used for legal and other civic proceedings. It often served as a town hall where matters of business and administration were conducted.
Basilicas were typically located in the forum, the center of public life in Roman cities. They featured large open spaces, aisles, and an apse at one end where magistrates or other officials would sit.
The Basilica Julia in the Roman Forum was commissioned by Julius Caesar and used primarily for legal proceedings and public meetings.
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