Basilica of Constantine

The Aula Palatina, also called Basilica of Constantine, at Trier, Germany, is a Roman palace basilica and an early Christian structure built between AD 300 and 310 during the reigns of Constantius Chlorus and Constantine the Great [1]. The basilica contains the largest extant hall from classical antiquity [1]. The hall has a length of 67 m, a width of 26.05 m and a height of 33 m [1]. The Aula Palatina generally follows the standard architectural plan of earlier basilicas, with a lack of columns in the interior and an open, box-like shape [1]. It is unique in its addition of a transverse vestibule reminiscent of a narthex [1]. The basilica was made of solid brick, with black-and-white marble floors, and was equipped with a floor and wall-heating system [1]. The basilica was originally part of a palace complex and was not a free-standing building, but had other smaller buildings (such as a forehall, a vestibule and some service buildings) attached to it [1]. The outer courtyard and railings on the first and second stories of the basilica no longer exist, but overall it is remarkably well preserved [1].