The archaeological site of Ostia Antica which was the old port of Rome in Italy
Ostia Antica was the harbour city of ancient Rome, approximately 30 kilometres northeast of the site. "Ostia" in Latin means "mouth". At the mouth of the River Tiber, Ostia was Rome's seaport, but, due to silting and a drop in sea level, the site now lies 3 kilometres from the sea. The site is noted for the excellent preservation of its ancient buildings and magnificent frescoes. Ostia was founded by Ancus Marcius, the semi-legendary fourth king of Rome, in the 7th century BC. It has been called the beter Pompeii due to the state of preservation of the buildings. Ostia itself was provided with all the services a town of the time could require; in particular, a famous lighthouse. Ostia contained the Ostia Synagogue, the earliest synagogue yet identified in Europe; Ostia had a large theatre, many public baths, numerous taverns and inns, and a firefighting service. A slow decadence began in the late Roman era around the time of Constantine I, with the town ceasing to be an active port and instead becoming a popular country retreat for rich aristocrats from Rome itself The decaying conditions of the city were mentioned by St. Augustine in the late 4th century. With the end of the Roman Empire, Ostia fell slowly into decay, and was finally abandoned in the 9th century due to the repeated invasions and sackings by Arab pirates. The Leaning Tower of Pisa was entirely built of material originally belonging to Ostia. It has been estimated that two thirds of the ancient town have currently been found.
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Location: The archaeological site of Ostia Antica which was the old port of Rome in Italy
Photo credit: © Brenda Kean / Alamy / Afripics
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