About Ostia Antica

Founded in the seventh century BCE, Ostia is regarded as Rome’s first colony. Being located on the mouth of the Tiber, Ostia was initially a settlement designed to defend the coast, but due to its location, inevitably became Rome’s harbor town during the Republican period. In the late Republican period Ostia’s main function was to receive, store, and send goods—most importantly grain—that came to Rome through the port. This resulted in a new emphasis on overseas grain and other imports to Rome through Ostia, as well as contributing to the  increase in population. An influx of migrant peasants and foreign slaves in the second century CE led to a sharp rise in the population of the city of Rome. The Imperial period also saw the construction of the city’s first Forum in the first century and a plan to rebuild started in the early second century, that would “virtually rebuild” the city. During this time two new harbors were constructed at Portus. The increasing importance of these new harbors, would led to Ostia’s eventual decline and abandonment in the eighth century CE. The city was eventually silted over, leaving it largely untouched until excavations began in the 1930s. 

Once, where the ruins of Ostia Antica now stand, the port of Rome was alive with activity. This direct connection with Rome to the ocean via a port was important to establish it as a global power and the seat of an empire.

Because of this, not only the quality of the buildings, but also the statues, frescoes, and mosaics that remain mimic this prosperity. Visitors to Ostia Antica are free to wander, oftentimes into the exact areas our team studies, to view these wonders up close and personal. Now, this ancient seaport sits silent, a contemplative place for tourists and locals to view a past age.

Keep an eye out for the cats, interesting frescoes behind corners, and the pigeons who have found new use for the buildings!