Stability and conservation of the Maxentius Basilica in the Roman Forum

Abstract

Originally extended over 6500 square metres, the Basilica of Maxentius was one of the biggest and most outstanding buildings of Roman architecture. Only one third of the monument is still standing. In celebration of the Christian Holy Year of 2000 (the Jubilee), the Soprintendenza Archeologica di Roma (SAR) started an extended project with the purpose of restoring the terrace and of studying the structural problems of the monument. CISTeC was appointed to the structural part of the project, including the study of the foundations and the proposal for the consolidation project.

The present paper reports the conclusions of the static and dynamic studies that were carried out both on the present-day Basilica and on the model of the original basilica. The results concluded that the monument could be subjected to seismic risks. Following such conclusions, a provisional consolidation project (which is currently in progress) and three final consolidation proposals were submitted to SAR. The immediate application of the provisional consolidation will give time to SAR to decide which of the final projects is the most Suitable, while still protecting and preserving the monument. The structural studies and the projects are briefly described in this paper.