Various ancient names for the Maison Carrée

During the period of the Gothic house, until the eighteenth century archaeologists' discussions covered three names and one building. The name Maison Carrée just means a quadrangular building, and others exist. The 'Baselica' on the cadastral map refers either to the monument built by Hadrian to the memory of Plotina, mentioned by the Roman historian Spartianus or to a civil basilica, that is to say a court. Finally, the neighbouring Saint-Étienne de Capdueil's church brings to mind the Capitol, 'the highest seat of Roman power and religion.' (Moréri: Le grand Dictionaire historique, 1759).