Design and building The columns and walls were made of expensive marble, and the 50-meter-high (164-foot-high) roof was covered in gilded bronze tiles. The basilica was therefore not only one of the largest buildings in Rome but also one of the most expensive. The original plan for the basilica is said to have been drawn up by Emperor Domitian. It included an enormous chamber for ceremonies or meetings of the senate, which did not come into use until much later. Work on the building began in A.D. 75 under Vespasian and was completed by Titus a few years after his death in A.D. 81. The emperor's son wanted the building to be his own memorial and so had all of the other statues removed from the temple at Jerusalem and brought to Rome. This is why the basilica has no religious paintings or sculptures except for some copies of the originals which are now in museums. In conclusion, we can say that the Ulpia Basilica was a large public building where the imperial family could meet together with members of the Senate. It was built as a monument to honor Vespasian's father, Titus, who became emperor after him. The construction lasted several years and was finished by the time he died. Therefore, this building is often called the "Titus Memorial".