forum, eight, including the same corner columns; on the
other side, six, including the corner columns. This is because the two
middle columns on that side are omitted, in order not to obstruct the
view of the pronaos of the temple of Augustus (which is built at the
middle of the side wall of the basilica, facing the middle of the forum
and the temple of Jupiter) and also the tribunal which is in the former
temple, shaped as a hemicycle whose curvature is less than a semicircle.

[Illustration: VITRUVIUS' BASILICA AT FANO]

8. The open side of this hemicycle is forty-six feet along the front,
and its curvature inwards is fifteen feet, so that those who are
standing before the magistrates may not be in the way of the business
men in the basilica. Round about, above the columns, are placed the
architraves, consisting of three two-foot timbers fastened together.
These return from the columns which stand third on the inner side to the
antae which project from the pronaos, and which touch the edges of the
hemicycle at right and left.

9. Above the architraves and regularly dispersed on supports directly
over the capitals, piers are placed, three feet high and four feet broad
each way. Above them is placed the projecting cornice round about, made
of two two-foot timbers. The tie-beams and struts, being placed above
them, and directly over the shafts of the columns and the antae and
walls of the pronaos, hold up one gable roof along the entire basilica,
and another from the middle of it, over the pronaos of the temple.

10. Thus the gable tops run in two directions, like the letter T, and
give a beautiful effect to the outside and inside of the main roof.
Further, by the omission of an ornamental entablature and of a line of
screens and a second tier of columns, troublesome labour is saved and
the total cost greatly diminished. On the other hand, the carrying of
the columns themselves in unbroken height directly up to the beams that
support the main roof, seems to add an air of sumptuousness and dignity
to the work.

CHAPTER II

THE TREASURY, PRISON, AND SENATE HOUSE

1. The treasury, prison, and senate house ought to adjoin the forum, but
in such a way that their dimensions may be proportionate to those of the
forum. Particularly, the senate house should be constructed with special
regard to the importance of the town or city. If the building is square,
let its height be fixed at one and one half times its bread