The Basilica of Pompeii, along with the rest of the entire ancient city, remained buried for centuries under a thick blanket of ash and lapilli. After a violent eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. completely covered not only Pompeii but also the other Vesuvian cities.
It was October 24 (according to the latest findings) and not August 24, as initially assumed.
In a few moments, the city of Pompeii found itself submerged in ash, lapilli and then overwhelmed by a powerful pyroclastic flow that erased the existence of the ancient city for centuries.
Only after 2,000 years was Pompeii’s existence accidentally rediscovered and brought to light through the work of archaeologists under the direction of Charles III of Bourbon.
The Basilica was not found until 1806, when investigations around the Forum area began and continued for decades to completely restore it to its original splendor.
Even today, the work in Pompeii by archaeologists continues and surprises with numerous discoveries that thrill tourists from all over the world.
Where to find the Basilica
The basilica of Pompeii stands in Regio VIII, near the Forum and the Sanctuary of Venus and Apollo. It can be easily reached by accessing it either from the entrance of Piazza Esedra – Porta Marina Inferiore or from the entrance of Villa dei Misteri – Porta Marina Superiore.
The Basilica is one of the oldest buildings in Pompeii, as evidenced by the fact that the first-style decorations on the walls are still visible, which reproduce fake marble blocks, unlike the other structures in Pompeii decorated with wonderful fourth-style frescoes.
Which is probably due to the fact that many buildings collapsed during the earthquake of 62 AD and were renovated, while the basilica managed to remain standing and therefore still retains its original decorations.
The structure of the Basilica of Pompeii
The Basilica has an area of 1500 square metres and in antiquity was not a religious place and therefore not a church, but served as a court of law, here Pompeians discussed their civil cases.
The main entrance was located along the forum and featured five doors divided by tufa pillars.
The interior of the Basilica had a rectangular shape 55 meters long and 24 meters wide, was entirely colonnaded and was probably the place where exchanges and meetings were held.
The upper part of the Basilica, on the other hand, was divided into three naves and housed the tribunal. It had a two-meter-high podium that could be accessed by a wooden staircase.
