Ostia Antica - Rome, Italy
N 41° 45.554 E 012° 18.030
33T E 275583 N 4626567
Ostia Antica is a large archeological site, close to the modern suburb of Ostia, that was the location of the harbour city of ancient Rome, which is approximately 30 kilometres (19 miles) to the northeast.
Waymark Code: WMPRYH
Location: Lazio, Italy
Date Posted: 10/15/2015
Views: 7
"Ostia" (plur. of "ostium") is a derivation of "os", the Latin word for "mouth". At the mouth of the River Tiber, Ostia was Rome's seaport, but due to silting the site now lies 3 kilometres (2 miles) from the sea. The site is noted for the excellent preservation of its ancient buildings, magnificent frescoes and impressive mosaics.
The most ancient buildings currently visible are from the 3rd century BC, notably the Castrum (military camp); of a slightly later date is the Capitolium (temple of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva).
The town was further developed during the first century AD under the influence of Tiberius, who ordered the building of the town's first Forum.
Ostia itself was provided with all the services a town of the time could require; in particular, a famous lighthouse. By 1954 eighteen mithraea had been discovered: Mithras had his largest following among the working population that were the majority of this port town. Archaeologists also discovered the public latrinas, organized for collective use as a series of seats that allow us to imagine today that the function was also a social moment. In addition, Ostia had a large theatre, many public baths, numerous taverns and inns and a firefighting service. Ostia also contained the Ostia Synagogue, the earliest synagogue yet identified in Europe; it created a stir when it was unearthed in 1960-61.
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, including the Battle of Ostia, a naval battle in 849 between Christians and Saracens; the remaining inhabitants moved to Gregoriopolis.
Name of Source Book: 1,000 Places to See Before you Die 2010 paperback edition.
Page Location in Source Book: 194
Type of Waymark: Site
Location of Coordinates: Entrance
Cost of Admission (Parks, Museums, etc.): 10.00 (listed in local currency)
List Available Hours, Dates, Season:
8:30 a.m. 6:30 p.m.
Official Tourism Website: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
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