Basilica Julia

View looking east over the west end of the Forum.  The Basilica of Julia is on the right (south) side of the image.  Only rows of column stubs, flooring, and steps have been preserved.  The central nave is the large rectangular area with green grass—at the far end are three columns from the Temple of Castor and Pollux.  To the left (north) of the nave, two long aisles are visible—the view of the southern aisles is blocked by the three arches in the lower right of the image.

The basilica was begun by Julius Caesar in 54 B.C. and completed by Augustus.  All totaled, there were 5 versions of a basilica on this site over the centuries!  Primarily four tribunals that judged civil cases used it.

It is very possible that the Apostle Paul, as a Roman Citizen, was condemned to death by a Roman Court meeting in this structure!

Left of center, the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, with the many columns is visible.