All civilizations need law, and this was the late Roman Republic‘s response. Being a courtroom and recreational space both, it held a central place in the roman forum. It was first built by Julius Caesar in 46 BCE, but it burned down in a fire. Then, the first Emperor, Augustus, rebuilt it in 9 CE. The emperor Caligula enjoyed throwing coins from the roof at the crowds there. Even with its serious courts, the Basilica Julia was still a favorite place of the Roman people to rest, with its games in the roof section. The Basilica Julia now lies in ruins, standing a silent vigil over Rome, reminding us that justice, along with the civilizations responsible, eventually crumble to dust.