The Latin word '''basilica''' initially described a type of Roman building used as a principal public building for transacting business and legal matters with the magistrates conducting their business on a raised dais in the apse at the end of the building. These buildings were located usually at the forum in the center of Roman towns. With the legalization of Christianity the form of the basilica proved adaptable for Christian rites and was adopted for building large churches.

[[Category:Churches]]

[[Category:Church architecture]]