OSTIA ANTICA		Quality of Remains
		Ease of Access
		Atmosphere & Setting

History & Occupation:

Ostia grew originally as a fortified military installation in the mid Republic, guarding the mouth of the Tiber for Rome. Gradually, as the security of Latium became assured, Ostia's military importance declined and the camp gave way to a small town. It remained a small place until the time of Claudius, when it had become apparent that Puteoli was too small and too far removed to handle Rome's imports and grain supply. Ostia was chosen as Rome's chief port and a new harbour was constructed across the river at a place later known as Portus. The city continued to prosper as the port (only 2 miles away) handled massive trade, to such an extent that in 113 AD, Trajan built a new hexagonal harbour extension at Portus. In the later Empire, however, Portus gradually became more of a separate entity and this, combined with the creation of other local ports to serve the capital, led to the gradual decline of Ostia. This loss of importance and the gradual shifting of the Tiber's course over time have led to the site being abandoned rather than constantly populated and this is why we now have a full city to excavate, almost three times the size of Pompeii and well preserved.

Remains and Visit:

Ostia Antica requires a full day to visit. Plan to start early and finish late and take plenty of drinking water with you if it's a hot day. There is only one cafe in the centre and we found only one tap of drinking water on the way to the exit. Ostia could easily take its place with the great archaeological cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. A quote I saw once commented that only the backdrop of Vesuvius makes the other sites more famous. It is certainly true that there is as much to see in Ostia as there are in the others, despite the site not yet being anywhere near completely excavated. Ostia is a full city with many bathhouses, temples, commercial buildings, entertainment venues and housing. There are other remains only a few miles away of the port area and the villa of Pliny, though do not expect to have time to do them in one day. Not to be missed are the Baths of Neptune, Theatre, Horrea Epagnathia, House of Amor & Psyche and Baths of the Seven Serpents. Buy a guide book and plan a route, otherwise you will miss a great deal. Ostia can be reached easily from Rome by a 30 minute train ride from the station by the Porta San Paolo.

Images:

Necropolis	Statue of Victory	Baths of Neptune	House of the Fire Fighters	Via Decumana
Mosaic in Corporation Square	Theatre	Mithraeum	House of Diana	Bakery
Thermopolium	Mosaic	Capitol	Horrea Epagnathia	House of the Grain Measurers
House of Amor & Psyche	Baths of the Seven Serpents	Wall Painting	House of the Aurigi	Forum baths