DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.1083#0103
214 POMFEIANA.
14 Stair-cases to the galleries, and second story of
the basilica.
The Basilica was connected with the portico of the
Forum by an uncovered court. In the sides of
the piers between the two latter, are grooves for
the insertion of wood or iron work, from which
we may conclude that there were doors, or a
railing of separation, between them. Steps from
this court led up to the basilica, through the
three central intercolumniations, and two door-
ways, opening under the galleries.
The Basilicas were peculiarly constructed, to receive
crowds of people. They were, according to
Victor, courts for the administration of justice,
and exchanges for the assembly of merchants
in rainy or doubtful weather. It should be, says
Vitruvius, on the least exposed side of the
Forum, with chalcidica at the end; where was
also the tribunal. Six columns, elevated upon a
podium, at Pompeii enclosed the place of the
Duumvir for justice, with his council, assessores,
apparitores, lictors, and scribes; whence, from the
curule chair, and distinguished by the insignia
of the sword and spear, set upright before him,
he delivered his dicta, after swearing upon the
altar in front to decide according to law and his
judgment'.
The construction of the basilica is worthy observation,
i Cic. Acad. Q, 47.
14 Stair-cases to the galleries, and second story of
the basilica.
The Basilica was connected with the portico of the
Forum by an uncovered court. In the sides of
the piers between the two latter, are grooves for
the insertion of wood or iron work, from which
we may conclude that there were doors, or a
railing of separation, between them. Steps from
this court led up to the basilica, through the
three central intercolumniations, and two door-
ways, opening under the galleries.
The Basilicas were peculiarly constructed, to receive
crowds of people. They were, according to
Victor, courts for the administration of justice,
and exchanges for the assembly of merchants
in rainy or doubtful weather. It should be, says
Vitruvius, on the least exposed side of the
Forum, with chalcidica at the end; where was
also the tribunal. Six columns, elevated upon a
podium, at Pompeii enclosed the place of the
Duumvir for justice, with his council, assessores,
apparitores, lictors, and scribes; whence, from the
curule chair, and distinguished by the insignia
of the sword and spear, set upright before him,
he delivered his dicta, after swearing upon the
altar in front to decide according to law and his
judgment'.
The construction of the basilica is worthy observation,
i Cic. Acad. Q, 47.