Basilica Emilia

The basilica was erected in 179 BC by the censors Marcus Aemilius Lepidus and Marcus Fulvius Nobilior, originally named Basilica Aemilia et Fulvia. Over the late Republic and early Imperial period, it was repeatedly restored by members of the Aemilian family and eventually renamed Basilica Aemilia. Marcus Aemilius Lepidus had shields with images of his ancestors installed between 80 and 78 BC. A rebuilding phase occurred from the 50s to 34 BC, initiated by Lucius Aemilius Lepidus Paullus, whose son Paullus Aemilius Lepidus dedicated the basilica as suffect consul in 34 BC. In 14 BC, a major fire destroyed the structure, which was subsequently rebuilt, with funding likely provided by Augustus and friends of Aemilius. A dedication inscription from 2 BC suggests the completion of a portico.