The Basilica Ulpia is a large rectangular building with a large interior consisting of a central nave flanked by double colonnaded aisles and two apses, or rounded extensions at the two ends of the building. The upper nave wall had windows called clerestory windows. These allowed light to flood into the interior. The building was used for Roman governmental purposes (a court of law) and also a public meeting place inside Trajan’s forum. From most of the references I came across, the upper clerestory consisted of the Ionic order columns while the lower aisles were made with Corinthian order columns, the favorite order of columns in Rome. Both of these orders of columns have been taken from Greek architectural traditions, referencing the ancient Greek temples. Romans were notorious for copying and adopting Greek traditions because of the glory of cities like Athens and the political, mythological, and even philosophical similarities/adoptions (they greatly respected classical Rome). The clerestory windows actually date all the way back to the ancient Egyptians, another society highly regarded for their success/progress. Clerestory windows are seen at Khafre’s funerary complex in an adjacent valley temple and allow light to shine in and reflect of the polished alabaster floor. It should be noted that Romans did undergo a faze of Egyptomania (whether or not this is why clerestory windows have been used in the Basilica Ulpia is besides the point). This just shows that the Romans did adopt architectural traditions from Egypt for various reasons, some political (they did take control of Egypt at one time). In all, the Basilica Ulpia is a fine example of architecture common in classical Rome.
Old St. Peter’s was constructed by Constantine, the first Christian emperor of Rome. The church is a longitudinally planned building just like any other basilica. This was basically the starting point for what would define a Christian basilica. The narthex is a region across the width of the building and the space is for those not yet baptized. There were five long sections created which can be seen from the frontal view of the building. Each had doorways, one large serving as the entrance to the nave (area for the congregation) and two smaller doorways on either side also giving access to the church. The columns lining the nave supported an entablature, an upper horizontal section common to classical buildings (usually consisting of the architrave, frieze, and cornice.) Double-sided aisles have also been created by another set of columns running parallel to the nave colonnade. Many of these columns were Corinthian order and may have actually been spoila (from the Latin word spoil, which means they were reused) from the circus of Nero. These columns parallel to the nave colonnade supported round arches, which supported windows above. The roofs were supported by wooden rafters. Constantine also deviated from the traditional basilica and formed a perpendicular hall in front of the “frontal” apse. This provided extra space for clergy and other needs. The entire longitudinal plan basically directs people along that axis through the narthex and through the nave until they reach the altar at the terminating apse (it have two apses). It is not stated in our class text, but other sources and images confirm that the church was also lit by clerestory windows high above the ground floor. These windows let in a heavenly light that would have enhanced the spiritual experience for those attending. It may have been obvious to some, but I’m sure the way the light flooded in illuminating the surrounding area would have been very amazing and awe inspiring, especially in a building that could hold at least 14,000 worshippers. The scale of the church must (have) affected the people greatly and connected them to God.
The two buildings are obviously connected by their shared architectural style. It can be seen that Old St. Peter’s is almost directly based off of Roman basilicas like the Basilica Ulpia. However, the architecture is only a surface connection between the two structures. More important is the cultures involved and the shift in religious thinking that accompanies Roman basilicas and early churches like Old St. Peter’s. The basilica comes from the Romans whose religion was considered to be pagan by the Christian Church. The Church adopts this “pagan” architecture because the very people who convert to Christianity are Romans. Constantine issued the Edict of Milan granting freedom of worship, but in reality he embraced Christianity as the proper state religion. He built Old St. Peter’s in the Roman style basically because that’s how he knew to build things. This should remind us of the basic idea that Christianity rose up out of a non-Christian society, so these characteristics being carried over should be expected, just as those non-believers had been carried over into new faith. It should be noted that while judges spoke from the apses of the Basilica Ulpia, Christian clergy spoke from what we can assume were elevated altars situated in the apse of Old St. Peter’s. This is just one example of what Constantine would have seen as obviously similar functional needs of both buildings (I’m sure many agreed that Christianity could redeem “pagan” styles as long as they were used for Christ.) This is why the basilica is chosen for the new church spaces. Another huge fact to consider is that the church is built overtop of the circus of Nero, a Roman emperor known for his persecution of Christians. The circus was the first site of state-sponsored executions of Christians such as Peter. Constantine greatly dishonors Nero’s legacy by building on top of the circus of Nero and even taking pieces of the structure to build his church. But he greatly honors St. Peter as a martyr, by building a church on the site of past state sponsored persecutions and over top of St. Peter’s burial site. St. Peter’s tomb is understood to be underneath the apse of the church. This confirms even more how Roman society was shifting into a Christian tradition. Also, Constantine added a perpendicular region in front of the “frontal” apse. He may not have known it at the time, but this region would be extended until the overall shape of the building was a cross. Soon, the word basilica would even become an ecclesiastical term, not just an architectural term. This is exactly why I think the two examples, Basilica Ulpia and Old St. Peter’s, epitomize the connections and transition from a classical Rome to a Rome characterized by its emerging Christian traditions.
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