On walking down the Via Sacra, the visitor is confronted by the Curia, restored in the 3C by Diocletian. This was the backdrop for senatorial debates and today has the bas-reliefs of Trajan, 2C panels depicting imperial life and sacrificial beasts. Note also the marquetry work paving, as well as the three levels of tiered seating running the length of the building, which accommodated 300 senators.