What is the port of Ostia?
Rome
Ostia was a port of republican Rome and a commercial centre under the empire (after 27 bce). The Romans considered Ostia their first colony and attributed its founding (for the purpose of salt production) to their fourth king, Ancus Marcius (7th century bce).
What was the port of ancient Rome called?
Portus
The ancient, artificial harbor of Portus has blended into the flat, coastal landscape of Fiumicino, Italy. Situated about 30 kilometers (20 miles) southwest of Rome, Portus was built in the first and second century of the modern era, and it became the Roman Empire’s leading maritime hub for nearly 500 years.
When was the port of Ostia built?
620 B.C.
Ostia, at the mouth (ostium) of the Tiber River, was founded around 620 B.C.; its central attraction was the salt gleaned from nearby salt flats, which served as a precious meat preserver. Later, around 400 B.C., Rome conquered Ostia and made it a naval base, complete with a fort.
Why might the port of Ostia be where the first signs of Christianity appear around Rome?
Ostia had no indigenous settlement before the Romans so when the city was planned and built it was strictly Roman. As trade increased at the port outside influence did begin to permeate and can be seen in the form of religions such as the Mithras mystery cult.
Did Rome have ports?
Among all ports of Rome, the most important port of course was Rome’s own port Ostia (see ‘A Harbour for Rome’). After a long history of excavations, today Ostia is one of the largest and most interesting archaeological sites in Italy.
Why did Ostia Antica fail?
With hundreds of well-preserved buildings and artworks, Ostia Antica could be considered the Roman equivalent of Pompeii. Unlike Pompeii, however, Ostia was not destroyed by a volcanic eruption – it simply fell into decay over the centuries.
Why is Ostia important to Rome?
Ostia was the port city for ancient Rome. It sits at the mouth of the Tiber River where ocean-going craft from across the Mediterranean would dock and unload cargo to be transferred to barges and sent up-river some 25 miles to Rome. Ostia’s commercial and shipping interests produced a rich and cosmopolitan city.