Ad columnam Maeniam. Maenius cum domum suam venderet Catoni et Flacco censoribus, ut ibi basilica aedificaretur, exceperat ius sibi unius columnae, super quam tectum proiceret ex provolantibus tabulatis, unde ipse et posteri eius spectare munus gladiatorium possent, quod etiam tum in foro dabatur. Ex illo igitur columna Maenia vocitata est.

Near the Maenian Column: when Maenius sold his house to Cato and Flaccus, the censors, so that a basilica could be built there, he reserved for himself the right of one column, above which he extended a roof of projecting boards, from which he and his descendents could watch the show of gladiators, which even then was put on in the forum. For this reason it is called the Maenian Column.