A Roman basilica was a large public building used for various purposes, including legal proceedings and gatherings. Characterized by its rectangular shape, it typically featured a central nave flanked by aisles, with a high roof and large windows to allow natural light. The design often included a raised platform at one end, known as the apse, where important activities took place. Basilicas were influential in the development of Christian church architecture after the fall of the Roman Empire. Many early Christian basilicas adopted the Roman style, leading to the construction of iconic structures like St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.