This is the outline of the Basilica Ĉmilia. As mentioned, basilicas were originally civic buildings later transformed into churches. Roman temples did not provide sufficient space for the worship needs of medieval Christians. So, when new churches, like this one, were built, the civic basilicas were used as a model for the design. This, therefore, is an example of a basilica that never served a civic purpose, but was built later with the sole intention of serving as a church.