Ancient Ostia

About

Founded in the 7th century BC at the mouth of the Tiber River, Ostia was likely Rome’s first colony. While the city flourished for centuries, after the fall of the Empire, the Ostia’s fortunes followed suit, with repeated raids by Muslim pirates finally forcing the inhabitants to abandon the city in the 9th century. The city’s abandoned harbour eventually silted over, which helped protect it against the ravages of time. Today, 10,000 acres have been unearthed, centered around a mile-long main road. Here, visitors will find common homes and public toilets, as well as landmarks like an amphitheatre, a forum for the city’s many corporations, and of course, a bathhouse with exquisite mosaics. The on-site museum showcases some of the many artefacts found here, with the statuary being particular stand out. In the collection are statues from various foreign religions - a testament to Ostia’s relationship with people from all over the known world.