The Julian Basilica at Corinth: An architectural investigation

Since the initial publication of the Julian Basilica at Corinth by Saul Weinberg (Corinth I, pt. 5) the identification of new architectural elements has created the need for a reinvestigation of the building. This investigation includes a block by block architectural study and the synthesis of the archaeological record which spans nearly 80 years. The findings indicate that the basilica was constructed during the first quarter of the first century C.E. Recurring patterns in dimensions in both plan and in architectural elements reveal that the design of the building is based upon a simple module. A Roman foot (RF) of ca. 0.296 m is employed in three series of basic building blocks: 2 x 4 x 2, 2 x 4 x 2.5, and 2 x 4 x 3 RF. These blocks are configured in multiples of 10 RF. At the core of the interior plan is an Ionic peristyle 90 x 40 RF and 30 RF high. The peristyle is surrounded by four aisles 20 RF wide. The exterior facade is comprised of Corinthian pilasters 20 RF high spaced every 10 RF with 13 superimposed round headed windows bays 10 RF high and 10 RF wide. On the north wall of the interior was an imperial lararium and on the south wall a tribunal. The basilica and the tribunal underwent two renovations, the most substantial of which was the transition from poros and stucco to marble and marble revetment over a floor reinforced by a vault. The function of the tribunal and the basilica is evident from the epigraphical record and seven imperial statues. Statues of Augustus, Claudius(?), and likely Antoninus Pius(?) flanked the tribunal, with Augustus and Claudius to the right and Antoninus to the left. Such a presence, augmented by the largest concentration in Corinth but for the theater of epigraphical dedications to Augustus, his family, and his lares, indicates that the Julian Basilica was the seat of the imperial tribunal and the proper site for the trial of federal crimes and for controversies requiring imperial arbitration