Ancient Roman architecture could penetrate through the clerestory windows. The oldest known basilica, the Basilica Porcia, was built in Rome in 184 BC by Cato the Elder during the time he was Censor. Other early examples include the basilica at Pompeii (late 2nd century BC). After Christianity became the official religion, the basilica shape was found appropriate for the first large public churches, with the attraction of avoiding reminiscences of the Greco-Roman temple form. The Roman circus was a large open-air venue used for public events in the ancient Roman Empire. The circuses were similar to the ancient Greek hippodromes, although circuses served
Sergius (name) Sergius (name) Sergius is a male given name of Roman origin. It is a common Christian name, in honor of Saint Sergius, or in Russia, of Saint Sergius of Radonezh. It is not common in English. It became popular in Christianity in honor of the fourth-century martyr and saint Sergius, especially among Roman ecclesiastics of Syrian extraction, starting in the seventh century. The name originates from the Roman "nomen" (patrician family name) Sergius, and this from a more ancient Etruscan name. Its form varies by language: Armenian: Սարգիս (Sarkis); Belarusian: (Siarhei or Siarhiej ), diminutive Сяргейка ( Siarheika ); Catalan: