|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Public Buildings (continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
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'), but differs in the proportions and the fact that the entrance is on the short side, overlooking the Forum, instead of on the 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 interior has a nave and two isles; the nave is bordered on four sides by twenty-eight large brick built columns.
Along the aisles is a row of Doric half columns which were originally topped by a second tier of Corinthian half columns.
The illustration on the right shows quite clearly the brick columns and also, on the right, the half columns on the aisle wall.
The Basilica played an important role in both civil and commercial life of Pompeii.
Not only was justice administered here, but it was also a focus for commercial business.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This large building, situated on the east side of the Forum between the Temple of Vespasian and the Comitium was built by the priestess Venus Eumachia for the corporation of weavers, dyers and launderers. The building is as large as the Basilica, consisting of a great courtyard surrounded by a two-storey colonnade.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Of the fine facade facing the Forum only the marble cornice, decorated with acanthus leaves and birds (left) remains, the rest being rebuilt of brick after the earthquake of 62AD.
A corridor flanked by two rooms leads to the interior courtyard.
A criptoporticus, lit by large windows, runs along three sides of a porch-like structure at the rear of the courtyard.
In the back wing is a niche with a statue of Eumachia (pictured above) dedicated
|
|
|
|
