This Basilica's construction began under Emperor Maxentius in 308, who was later defeated by Constantine in the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. Constantine oversaw the building's completion through 312 and relished the satisfaction of completing Maxentius' project.
The Basilica was a multifuncional building used as a courthouse, council chamber and meeting hall. It borrowed pieces of its design from other basilicas and Roman baths, but taken as a whole, it is truly unique.