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Ostia Antica
41.7558° N, 12.2917° E
About
Ostia Antica (lit. 'Ancient Ostia') is an ancient Roman city and the port of Rome located at the mouth of the Tiber. It is near modern Ostia, 25 km (16 mi) southwest of Rome. Due to silting and the invasion of sand, the site now lies 3 km (2 mi) from the sea. The name Ostia (the plural of ostium) derives from Latin os 'mouth'. Ostia is now a large archaeological site noted for the excellent preservation of its ancient buildings, magnificent frescoes and impressive mosaics. The city's decline after antiquity led to harbor deterioration, marshy conditions, and reduced population. Sand dunes covering the site aided its preservation. Its remains provide insights into a city of commercial importance. As in Pompeii, Ostia's ruins provide details about Roman urbanism that are not accessible within the city of Rome itself.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Forum built under Tiberius
1st century AD
Population peak
2nd–3rd centuries AD
Pirate sacking
68 BC
Marius attacks Ostia
87 BC
Commercial expansion
2nd century BC
Trajan's hexagonal harbour completed
113 AD
Earliest visible buildings
3rd century BC
Seat of the quaestor Ostiensis
267 BC
Earliest archaeological remains
4th century BC
Neptune Baths repairs
370s AD
Death of Saint Monica
387 AD
Fall of the Western Roman Empire
476 AD
Old castrum attested
7th century BC
Battle of Ostia
849
Mussolini-era excavations
1939–1942
Scavi di Ostia topography published
1954
Baths of the Swimmer excavations
1966–1970; 1974–1975
Geophysical survey reveals warehouses
2014
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Storage Structures
Defensive Structures
Military Installations
Public and Civic Structures
Religious and Ritual Structures
Artistic and Decorative Features
Environmental and Natural Features
Transportation and Communication Structures
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information
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