The Basilica owes its name to a notable Roman family.The gens Aemilia were one of the richest and most noble families in Rome, and took particular care of this centre of power, economy and social life. Ever since the construction of the Basilica in 179 BC, the family took care of the renovation works— sometimes receiving state funding, but mostly using their own resources. Their great care for the building was due to the fact that the Basilica (a Greek term that had no religious connotation in Ancient Rome, unlike today) was a structure of great importance being the seat of trade and justice, as well as a protected location for other public activities in case of severe weather.