This “basilica” was not a church but a Roman hall of justice. In a society that was as legal-minded, you needed a lot of lawyers—and a big place to put them.
What you see is just half of it (you can see remains on your back). Imagine it completely. This was the basic design used for later churches and cathedrals.
My God, the absurdity of this place. You have to be here to understand the grandiose and history of this place. You can literally imagine how it was in its time of glory. Just an incredible monument.