Basilica di Massenzio (Basilica of Maxentius)

Construction of the basilica began in 307 under Emperor Maxentius and was completed by 313. Maxentius broke with the traditional columned basilica type, drawing inspiration instead from large thermal baths, such as the Baths of Diocletian. He conceived the structure as a monumental reception hall. However, Maxentius did not live to see its completion, as he fell in 312 at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge against Constantine I. Constantine dedicated the building and made several changes: he had a colossal statue of himself erected in the apse, opened another entrance to the Via Sacra, and added a niche apse in the right aisle, creating a new axis.