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The Basilica at Trier (Aula Palatina)
Basilicas also served as audience halls as a part of imperial palaces. A
well-preserved example is found in the northern German town of Trier.
Constantine built a basilica as part of a palace complex in Trier which

served as his northern capital. Although a fairly simple architectural form
and now stripped of its original interior decoration, the basilica must have
been an imposing stage for the emperor. Imagine the emperor dressed in

imperial regalia marching up the central axis as he makes his dramatic ad-
ventus or entrance along with other members of his court. This space
would have humbled an emissary who approached the enthroned emperor
seated in the apse.

II. Divide the text into five logical parts. Give the title to each part.

III. Write out all architectural terms in the text and find their
definitions in English.

IV. Choose the necessary word and complete the following sen-
tences:

1. Basilicas had … functions. a) architecture
2. So it was natural for Constantine to want to b) cult
construct … in honor of Christianity
3. During the pre-Constantinian period, there was c) diverse

not much that distinguished the Christian churches
from typical domestic….
4. Temples served as treasuries and dwellings for d) edifices

the....
5. Here a typical … has been adapted to the needs e) home
of the congregation.

V. Find out if the following statements are true of false:

1. One of the major functions of the basilicas was as a site for law

courts.
2. The Greeks had been building basilicas in their cities and as part of
palace complexes for centuries.

3. After that victory Constantine became the principal patron of Chris-
tianity.

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