Published Feb 27th, 2023, 2/27/23 1:49 am
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Hello! This is a 1:1 realistic recreation of the Basilica Ulpia of the Forum Trajan in Rome. This post serves ONLY as a preview of what is yet to come as I will be incorporating this into my downloadable map of the completed Forum of Trajan (releasing likely this upcoming week). Some history and info on the architecture behind this very important building is as follows. :D
Now a little bit about the Basilica Ulpia (if you're interested in reading). The Basilica Ulpia is one of the largest basilicas in ancient Rome and likely throughout the empire during its height. This basilica is considered the main highlight of the Forum of Trajan, which was constructed between 105 and 112 AD, designed by Apollodorus of Damascus, and commissioned by the Emperor Trajan. The Forum of Trajan is the largest forum in the Imperial Fora complex (which is connected to the famous Roman Forum).
The Basilica Ulpia is not only famous for its size but also its mystery. Today, archaeologists and historians still debate as to what the basilica exactly looked like in 112 AD as we only have evidence of a few key elements and the overall layout of the structure. All of the elements of the basilica that have been confirmed by historians and archaeologists over the years have been incorporated into this structure, including the correct proportions and measurements as related to the in-game Minecraft player.
These confirmed elements of the basilica include, but are not limited to: two tiers of colonnade (with the first tier in the Corinthian order and the second in the ionic), exact column layout, an apse on either side of the basilica, a coffered ceiling in the main chamber, barrel vaulted (and painted) hallways along the lateral sides of the basilica, a triangular pediment above the main chamber, the front facade with elaborate friezes, three entrance-ways, chariot statues, and a variagated marble floor.
What has been up for interpretation since excavations first started on-site in Rome include, but are not limited to: the size of the apses, the height of the basilica, the number of tiers of the basilica (whether 2 or 3), and if there was an open clerestory (open top tier to allow for light and air flow). The reason as to why these elements have been hotly debated is because -- like many large and important Roman buildings -- the Basilica Ulpia has been reused for different purposes over time before it was left in ruins. Each time it was reused, certain adjustments to the overall structure (with possible height extensions) were made.
As said above, my interpretation includes all of the confirmed elements of the actual Basilica Ulpia, but I do voice some of my opinions on a few of the more contested elements -- most notably in the inclusion of a proper clerestory and the restriction to a two tiered structure (which was very common for basilica architecture at the time). My interpretation, along with the clarification of confirmed architectural elements, is backed with heavy research and careful consideration.
Hope you enjoy the post and maybe you found the info above insightful. Stay tuned this week for the downloadable map of the completed Forum of Trajan!
Now a little bit about the Basilica Ulpia (if you're interested in reading). The Basilica Ulpia is one of the largest basilicas in ancient Rome and likely throughout the empire during its height. This basilica is considered the main highlight of the Forum of Trajan, which was constructed between 105 and 112 AD, designed by Apollodorus of Damascus, and commissioned by the Emperor Trajan. The Forum of Trajan is the largest forum in the Imperial Fora complex (which is connected to the famous Roman Forum).
The Basilica Ulpia is not only famous for its size but also its mystery. Today, archaeologists and historians still debate as to what the basilica exactly looked like in 112 AD as we only have evidence of a few key elements and the overall layout of the structure. All of the elements of the basilica that have been confirmed by historians and archaeologists over the years have been incorporated into this structure, including the correct proportions and measurements as related to the in-game Minecraft player.
These confirmed elements of the basilica include, but are not limited to: two tiers of colonnade (with the first tier in the Corinthian order and the second in the ionic), exact column layout, an apse on either side of the basilica, a coffered ceiling in the main chamber, barrel vaulted (and painted) hallways along the lateral sides of the basilica, a triangular pediment above the main chamber, the front facade with elaborate friezes, three entrance-ways, chariot statues, and a variagated marble floor.
What has been up for interpretation since excavations first started on-site in Rome include, but are not limited to: the size of the apses, the height of the basilica, the number of tiers of the basilica (whether 2 or 3), and if there was an open clerestory (open top tier to allow for light and air flow). The reason as to why these elements have been hotly debated is because -- like many large and important Roman buildings -- the Basilica Ulpia has been reused for different purposes over time before it was left in ruins. Each time it was reused, certain adjustments to the overall structure (with possible height extensions) were made.
As said above, my interpretation includes all of the confirmed elements of the actual Basilica Ulpia, but I do voice some of my opinions on a few of the more contested elements -- most notably in the inclusion of a proper clerestory and the restriction to a two tiered structure (which was very common for basilica architecture at the time). My interpretation, along with the clarification of confirmed architectural elements, is backed with heavy research and careful consideration.
Hope you enjoy the post and maybe you found the info above insightful. Stay tuned this week for the downloadable map of the completed Forum of Trajan!
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