he building of the Basilica Julia was started in 54 BC, but only finished a few years before it was burnt down in 9 AD. Julius Caesar started the building and Augustus finished it. After the basilica had been rebuilt it was dedicated to the grandsons of Augustus: Gaius and Lucius. The basilica was a centre of business and a court of justice at the same time. The basilica Julia replaced the basilica Sempronia. It was the largest basilica at the Forum. It was 101 metres by 49 metres in size. The central hall was 82 metres by 18 metres. The hall had three storeys, the colonnade just two. In the basilica Julia the centumviri were accommodated, first 100, later 180 magistrates, who passed judgement in civil cases. They were spread over four chambers. Each chamber consisted of 45 men and worked independently. Just in the case of major and very important trials the chambers worked together. The public was allowed to attend the sessions. That is why lawyers organised the paid support of a lot of people trying to influence the judges. These supporters booed the lawyer of the other party and they cheered the lawyer who had taken them on. Emperor Caligula had money thrown from the roof because he liked to see the people fighting for the money. The basilica consisted of 3 naves, a big one in the middle and two smaller naves at the sides. A colonnade separated the naves.