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Important note: this map is exclusively for 1.20.1. At the risk of improper lighting and unloaded chunks, please do not load this map on a different version. Thank you.
This is the sixth and final installation of my 5:1 Build Series project: a Late Republican era styled Roman basilica. Officially it is named the Basilica Praetoria. I was inspired by the layout and style of the Basilica Julia – a prominent structure in the Roman Forum and initially dedicated by Julius Caesar in 46 BCE. However, the Basilica Praetoria contains some unique features, and it challenges some common architectural norms of Late Republican Roman structures.
The Basilica Praetoria, though inspired by arguably the most “simple” Roman basilica with regards to design, prominence, and features, is the largest published Roman basilica in Minecraft’s history. It is over 900 blocks long, over 300 blocks wide, and nearly 300 blocks tall. Though this build is technically a part of the 5:1 Build Series project, it is mathematically closer to an 8:1 scale.
Overall, it’s been a wild ride making this structure. This is the largest Minecraft build I’ve ever made – and probably ever will make. This is also the project with by far the most planning and research (see “Optional Reading” below). This project began two months ago, but I had to stop due to personal matters. As they say, “life happens.” Though it was initially sad to stop this project, I knew that I would eventually finish it and be able to share my work with all of you. And thus over the past three weeks, I’ve been on a non-stop grind to get this done before the end of November. And here we are. I hope you enjoy the finished product! I’ll be keeping tabs on comments and dms as I know some of you like to reach out if there are any issues with the map/build (which is super helpful!). But I’ll be keeping an extra eye out for this one given I used an invisible lights mod and the absolutely massive scale of the structure.
As I said above, this is the last build of my 5:1 Build Series. I may return to these types of builds in the future, but it won’t be for a while and would be in the form of another series that’d be thoroughly mapped out. In other words, there wouldn’t be any future standalone 5:1 builds. However, I will be returning to a few of the previous 5:1 builds just to update them a tad bit, but in the meantime, I’ll be focusing my attention next on making the Forum Transitorium. That’s right, the Imperial Fora project is next on the list to be finished!!!!
Shaders: Chocapic 13 V9 Ultra
Optional Reading (Architectural Nuances in the Basilica Praetoria):
Traditionally, important multi-tiered structures in Ancient Rome that contained columns had a specific and expected layout with regards to how these columns were ordered. There are three prominent Classical Orders of Architecture (as determined by Vitruvius in his work, On Architecture): Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. There are also two Roman Orders of Architecture (Etruscan and Composite), but we’ll just be focusing on the Classical Orders of Architecture for this build. Multi-tiered structures typically had Doric columns on the first tier, Ionic on the second, and Corinthian on the third (if there was a third). A primary example of a three-tiered Roman structure that follows this rule is the Colosseum. However, the majority of important multi-tiered structures only had two tiers with noticeable columns on each tier, including basilicas and theaters. The Basilica Julia, which the Basilica Praetoria is based off of, is no exception with Doric columns on the first tier and Ionic columns on the second tier.
However, the Basilica Praetoria has Corinthian columns on the first tier and Ionic columns on the second tier. This is intentional as I wanted to experiment combining Roman Baroque changes in the standards of the Classical Orders of Architecture with Republican era Roman structures that maintained the above-mentioned expectations outlined by Vitruvius. Though having Corinthian columns on the first tier and Ionic columns on the second tier goes against the grain, the Basilica Praetoria is not the first structure to utilize this method. Rather, the Basilica Ulpia, a prominent structure in the Forum of Trajan built sometime between 106 and 113 AD, utilizes this same style of Corinthian then Ionic. The Basilica Ulpia was designed by the famous architect Apollodorus of Damascus, and more about him could be found in my Forum of Trajan map post on my PMC profile page.
Nevertheless, combining the Architectural Orders that Apollodorus would utilize for his Basilica Ulpia with the layout and design of a traditional Roman-styled basilica – though seemingly minor – would be considered sacrilege in the eyes of past Roman architects and contemporary scholars and designers. However, my logic in this decision does not come with just the excuse of “try it and find out.” Rather, I wanted to test the architectural “balancing” of the different Classical Orders throughout a particular structure. According to Vitruvius, Corinthian columns are very masculine by design with intricate detailing, ornamentation, and extreme prominence. Corinthian columns are thus architecturally “heavy” as their prominence commands your attention. On the other hand, also according to Vitruvius, Ionic columns are very feminine in nature given the curves of their volutes and simplistic design. Whereas Corinthian columns grab your attention by their commanding presence, Ionic columns give off a more satisfying aura given their slender nature.
Ironically, these descriptions made by Vitruvius provided the foundation to my decision to incorporate a different layering of orders not common in Roman Republican-styled structures. I took into consideration the space in between each column – both on the first and second tiers. Given the heaviness of Corinthian columns, I wanted to make the space in between them feel light or empty. The space would be filled with the people as they enter and exit the structure; but given the dynamic nature of people moving from one place to another (in and out of the structure or around the structure), it appropriately balances the relationship between the entrance arches and the Corinthian columns separating them. For the clerestory (the second tier), the space between the columns would be filled (rather than empty) with statues, ornamentation, and vegetation. This detailing makes the inside of the arches heavy in nature; in order to provide balance, the columns must be light. Thus, I resorted to using the Ionic order for the clerestory.
Though this description may seem extremely excessive and boring, it is good to put my intentions with the Classical Orders of Architecture on record. I recognize the longstanding traditional layout of the different orders, but I also understand the tenets of balancing architectural elements throughout a structure. More importantly, I want to be clear that this was not a mistake, rather an architectural experimentation. I’d like to believe the experiment to be a success, but only posterity could truly determine this matter.
In addition to the shifting of Orders in the Basilica Praetoria as opposed to the Basilica Julia, this structure also has a few other creative liberties. For one, the clerestory has a peripteral walking platform around the inside of the basilica. This could be used for a variety of purposes – whether for your own additions to the build or maybe a server’s additions. In addition, the floor boasts an elaborate mosaic-style pattern. I used the help of a pixel generator for this portion (as this is not exactly my specialty), but had to put in some extra work on adjusting the palette and borders of the design once it was implemented into the basilica. The Basilica Praetoria also features multiple palettes in order to provide effective and intentional contrast between the different structural elements.
This is the sixth and final installation of my 5:1 Build Series project: a Late Republican era styled Roman basilica. Officially it is named the Basilica Praetoria. I was inspired by the layout and style of the Basilica Julia – a prominent structure in the Roman Forum and initially dedicated by Julius Caesar in 46 BCE. However, the Basilica Praetoria contains some unique features, and it challenges some common architectural norms of Late Republican Roman structures.
The Basilica Praetoria, though inspired by arguably the most “simple” Roman basilica with regards to design, prominence, and features, is the largest published Roman basilica in Minecraft’s history. It is over 900 blocks long, over 300 blocks wide, and nearly 300 blocks tall. Though this build is technically a part of the 5:1 Build Series project, it is mathematically closer to an 8:1 scale.
Overall, it’s been a wild ride making this structure. This is the largest Minecraft build I’ve ever made – and probably ever will make. This is also the project with by far the most planning and research (see “Optional Reading” below). This project began two months ago, but I had to stop due to personal matters. As they say, “life happens.” Though it was initially sad to stop this project, I knew that I would eventually finish it and be able to share my work with all of you. And thus over the past three weeks, I’ve been on a non-stop grind to get this done before the end of November. And here we are. I hope you enjoy the finished product! I’ll be keeping tabs on comments and dms as I know some of you like to reach out if there are any issues with the map/build (which is super helpful!). But I’ll be keeping an extra eye out for this one given I used an invisible lights mod and the absolutely massive scale of the structure.
As I said above, this is the last build of my 5:1 Build Series. I may return to these types of builds in the future, but it won’t be for a while and would be in the form of another series that’d be thoroughly mapped out. In other words, there wouldn’t be any future standalone 5:1 builds. However, I will be returning to a few of the previous 5:1 builds just to update them a tad bit, but in the meantime, I’ll be focusing my attention next on making the Forum Transitorium. That’s right, the Imperial Fora project is next on the list to be finished!!!!
Shaders: Chocapic 13 V9 Ultra
Optional Reading (Architectural Nuances in the Basilica Praetoria):
Traditionally, important multi-tiered structures in Ancient Rome that contained columns had a specific and expected layout with regards to how these columns were ordered. There are three prominent Classical Orders of Architecture (as determined by Vitruvius in his work, On Architecture): Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. There are also two Roman Orders of Architecture (Etruscan and Composite), but we’ll just be focusing on the Classical Orders of Architecture for this build. Multi-tiered structures typically had Doric columns on the first tier, Ionic on the second, and Corinthian on the third (if there was a third). A primary example of a three-tiered Roman structure that follows this rule is the Colosseum. However, the majority of important multi-tiered structures only had two tiers with noticeable columns on each tier, including basilicas and theaters. The Basilica Julia, which the Basilica Praetoria is based off of, is no exception with Doric columns on the first tier and Ionic columns on the second tier.
However, the Basilica Praetoria has Corinthian columns on the first tier and Ionic columns on the second tier. This is intentional as I wanted to experiment combining Roman Baroque changes in the standards of the Classical Orders of Architecture with Republican era Roman structures that maintained the above-mentioned expectations outlined by Vitruvius. Though having Corinthian columns on the first tier and Ionic columns on the second tier goes against the grain, the Basilica Praetoria is not the first structure to utilize this method. Rather, the Basilica Ulpia, a prominent structure in the Forum of Trajan built sometime between 106 and 113 AD, utilizes this same style of Corinthian then Ionic. The Basilica Ulpia was designed by the famous architect Apollodorus of Damascus, and more about him could be found in my Forum of Trajan map post on my PMC profile page.
Nevertheless, combining the Architectural Orders that Apollodorus would utilize for his Basilica Ulpia with the layout and design of a traditional Roman-styled basilica – though seemingly minor – would be considered sacrilege in the eyes of past Roman architects and contemporary scholars and designers. However, my logic in this decision does not come with just the excuse of “try it and find out.” Rather, I wanted to test the architectural “balancing” of the different Classical Orders throughout a particular structure. According to Vitruvius, Corinthian columns are very masculine by design with intricate detailing, ornamentation, and extreme prominence. Corinthian columns are thus architecturally “heavy” as their prominence commands your attention. On the other hand, also according to Vitruvius, Ionic columns are very feminine in nature given the curves of their volutes and simplistic design. Whereas Corinthian columns grab your attention by their commanding presence, Ionic columns give off a more satisfying aura given their slender nature.
Ironically, these descriptions made by Vitruvius provided the foundation to my decision to incorporate a different layering of orders not common in Roman Republican-styled structures. I took into consideration the space in between each column – both on the first and second tiers. Given the heaviness of Corinthian columns, I wanted to make the space in between them feel light or empty. The space would be filled with the people as they enter and exit the structure; but given the dynamic nature of people moving from one place to another (in and out of the structure or around the structure), it appropriately balances the relationship between the entrance arches and the Corinthian columns separating them. For the clerestory (the second tier), the space between the columns would be filled (rather than empty) with statues, ornamentation, and vegetation. This detailing makes the inside of the arches heavy in nature; in order to provide balance, the columns must be light. Thus, I resorted to using the Ionic order for the clerestory.
Though this description may seem extremely excessive and boring, it is good to put my intentions with the Classical Orders of Architecture on record. I recognize the longstanding traditional layout of the different orders, but I also understand the tenets of balancing architectural elements throughout a structure. More importantly, I want to be clear that this was not a mistake, rather an architectural experimentation. I’d like to believe the experiment to be a success, but only posterity could truly determine this matter.
In addition to the shifting of Orders in the Basilica Praetoria as opposed to the Basilica Julia, this structure also has a few other creative liberties. For one, the clerestory has a peripteral walking platform around the inside of the basilica. This could be used for a variety of purposes – whether for your own additions to the build or maybe a server’s additions. In addition, the floor boasts an elaborate mosaic-style pattern. I used the help of a pixel generator for this portion (as this is not exactly my specialty), but had to put in some extra work on adjusting the palette and borders of the design once it was implemented into the basilica. The Basilica Praetoria also features multiple palettes in order to provide effective and intentional contrast between the different structural elements.
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Update #3 : by japersx 12/29/2023 9:36:18 amDec 29th, 2023
Quick detailing/palette update
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omg how do you manageeeeeee