Basilica of Junius Bassus explained

Basilica of Junius Bassus
Type:Basilica
Map Dot Label:Basilica of Junius Bassus
Map Label Position:bottom
Map Type:Italy Rome Antiquity
Map Overlay:Roma Plan.jpg
Map Size:270
Mapframe-Frame-Width:270
Mapframe:yes
Mapframe-Caption:Click on the map for a fullscreen view
Mapframe-Zoom:12
Mapframe-Marker:monument
Mapframe-Wikidata:yes

The Basilica of Junius Bassus (basilica Iunii Bassi) was a civil basilica on the Esquiline Hill in Rome, on a site now occupied by the Seminario Pontificio di Studi Orientali, in via Napoleone III, 3. It is best known for its examples of opus sectile work.

History

The basilica was built by Junius Bassus in 331 during his consulate. In the second half of the 5th century, under Pope Simplicius, it was transformed into the church of Sant'Andrea Catabarbara.

Rediscovery

Its last remains were rediscovered and demolished in 1930, and these excavations also found an Augustan house (with later rebuilding) containing 3rd century mosaics, one with Dionysian subjects and one with the names of the house's owners (Arippii and Ulpii Vibii). These mosaics are now on show in the seminary.

Sources

External links