The Ancient Town of Ostia Antica in Italy

We had decided on a trip to Rome in Italy. Fortunately, Rome is only a few kilometers away from the more. Sea location is too expensive, Rome is too expensive, so something in between and then still have both. That was the plan and we booked a nice apartment in Ostia Antica. Ostia Antica is a 3000 year old city that once formed the port of ancient Rome and is now mostly abandoned. The historic buildings were abandoned around 400-500 AD and the city fell into disrepair. Interestingly, this was a huge city with a few tens of thousands of inhabitants at that time with immense wealth, which is still clearly visible today.

Ostia Antica is an ancient Roman city located about 30 kilometers west of Rome, Italy. Founded in the 4th century BC, Ostia Antica was a major port and commercial center for the Roman Empire. The city was strategically located at the mouth of the Tiber River, which made it a crucial point for trade and commerce between Rome and the rest of the Mediterranean.

Ostia Antica has a rich history, and the city was continuously inhabited for over a thousand years. It was initially a military outpost to protect Rome from attacks from the sea, but as Rome grew, Ostia became an important commercial center. The city’s fortunes ebbed and flowed over the centuries, and it was eventually abandoned in the 9th century AD.

Today, Ostia Antica is an important archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the daily life of ancient Rome. The city has a well-preserved harbor area, streets, public buildings, private homes, and a wide variety of shops and businesses. Visitors can explore the ancient city and see the remains of the city’s public baths, the Forum, the Theater, the Capitolium, and the Temple of Rome and Augustus.

One of the most impressive sights in Ostia Antica is the House of Diana, a large complex that includes a private bathhouse, several rooms for entertaining guests, and a beautifully preserved courtyard. Another must-see attraction is the ancient necropolis, a collection of tombs that provide insight into the funerary practices of ancient Rome.

Ostia Antica is a fascinating destination for history buffs and anyone interested in ancient Rome. With its well-preserved ruins, the city offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience what life was like in one of the greatest empires in world history.