XVI.
THE BASILICA.

The courts of Alexandria were held in the great Basilica at the intersection of Emporium Street with the Street of Canopus.

Among the Romans, subject peoples were, as far as possible, left to be governed by their own laws and customs. Accordingly all suits between persons of the same nation were first tried by their own judges. An appeal could be taken from these to a Roman court. Also, the case went to a Roman court if the judges failed to agree on a verdict.

The suit of Malus against the two brothers, Shaphan and Nathan, for the non-payment of the sum they had agreed to give for his rights in their khan-business, together with interest on the same for nearly thirty years (time did not outlaw debts in Alexandria), being between Jew and Jew, came before Jewish judges, who happened to be equally divided between the two chief synagogues.

In suits of this kind, and indeed of almost every kind, it was customary for the more immediate friends of either party to give him moral support by taking seat with him in the court-room. Of course Malus was not unprovided with sympathizers. Nor were Shaphan and Nathan. On their side of the room sat Seti and Aleph, as well as some of the principal men of the Diapleuston.

I do not propose to give a detailed account of proceedings. Those who are curious about the formalities of ancient courts, Jewish or Roman, must seek for them in other works. I touch only fastigia verum.