Ostia Antica, Rome

Ostia Antica, Rome

Situated 26 kilometres to the south-west of Rome, Ostia Antica is an archeological site that was the seaport of ancient Rome.

Situated 26 kilometres to the south-west of Rome, Ostia Antica is an archeological site that was the seaport of ancient Rome. Founded in the 7th century BC by Roman Emperor Anto Marzio, Ostia Antica became a fortified military camp (castrum) for coastal defense during the 4th century BC. It developed as a trading port closely linked to the supply of grain in the capital, and was the gateway to Rome for merchants and pilgrims who came by sea. It now lies 3 kilometres inland due to silting by the Tiber River. The ancient buildings with frescoes and mosaics have been well-preserved over the centuries, buried under layers of silt. It is one of the largest archaeological sites in the site, spread over 150 hectares. Explore Ostia Antica on a half day tour from Rome to learn more about life in the port city during the ancient era.

The rectangular castrum was divided by 2 main streets that crossed at right angles at the center – the Decumanus Maximus on the Via Ostiense that led to Rome, and the Cardine. The tuff walls enclosing the castrum were 1.5 – 2 metres thick, sections of which are still visible today. While the original ramparts of the 4th century BC had 4 gates for the entry and exit of the 2 main streets, the newer 1st century BC walls had 3 gates-

• Porta Romana to the east on Via Ostiense in the direction of Rome features a marble statue of Minerva.
• Laurentina Gate in the direction of Laurentum is made of large tuff blocks.
• Marina Gate to the west in the direction of the beach is built with blocks of tuff and flanked by square towers.

Ostia was divided into 5 districts or regions demarcated by the main roads.

• Region I at the centre encompassed the Castrum, and has the square of the Forum at the intersection of the Cardine and Maximum Decumanus, which has the Hadrian Capitolium at one end, and Tiberius' Temple of Rome and Augustus at the other end. On the Maximum Decumanus stands the Basilica, and across the road is the Curia, the meeting place of the ordo decurionum (100 members of the city council). Other monumental buildings include the porticoes around the Foro della Statua Eroica (Square of the Heroic Statue) which had a Hadrian statue in the centre, Tempio Rotondo, and the Sacred Area of the Republican Temples which has the Edificio pubblico (Public Building) and the Temple of Hercules.
• Region II on the banks of the Tiber has several public buildings that were used by Gaio Caninio. It has the Quattro Tempietti - a sacred area with 4 temples from the beginning of the 2nd century BC, Caserma dei Vigili (barracks of the Fire Brigade), the Piazzale delle Corporazioni and the Teatro built in the 1st century BC by Agrippa. The semi-circular seating area, enlarged in the 2nd century AD to accommodate upto 4000 spectators, has been well-preserved to this day and used for concerts. Also of note are the Baths of Neptune, a large complex measuring 67 x 67 metres. It is known for its Antonine black-and-white floor mosaics which depict various mythological scenes and icons.
• Region III comprises housing complexes of different types such as garden houses, Aurighi (Charioteers) and Serapide (Serapis) houses, and Casette (standard) type houses.
• Region IV has the Sanctuary of the Magna Mater at Laurentina gate, and various baths such as the Terme del Faro, Terme Bizantine, Terme delle Sei Colonne, and Terme di Musiciolus. It also had a macellum (market) where meat was sold, and the Guild-seat of Trajan.
• Region V has the horrea (public warehouse), housing and commercial facilities, and some spas.

Around the archaeological site, Ostia also has various medieval buildings that you can explore. Ostia was sacked by the Saracens in the 9th century, following which it was fortified by Pope Gregory IV to protect salt mill workers along the Via Ostiense. This citadel, Borgo Gregoriopoli, was renovated in the 15th century by Pope Julius II and still stands in good condition as the Castle of Julius II. The 15th century Casone pontificio del Sale or House of Salt now houses the Ostiense Museum. The Basilica of Sant'Aurea is a Renaissance church from the 15th century (1483).