Ostia, seaport of ancient Rome, originally on the Mediterranean coast at the mouth of the Tiber River but now, because of the natural growth of the river delta, about 4 miles (6 km) upstream, southwest of the modern city of Rome, Italy. The modern seaside resort, Lido di Ostia, is about 3 miles (5 km) southwest of the ancient city.
Ostia Antica is a large archeological site, close to the modern suburb of Ostia, that is the location of the harbour city of ancient Rome, 15 miles southwest of Rome. "Ostia" is a derivation of "os", the Latin word for "mouth".
Ostia Antica is an archaeological site located on the outskirts of Rome. Although the Romans referred to the site as Ostia, this article will use the term Ostia Antica, so as to avoid confusion with the modern Roman municipio of Ostia (known officially as Lido di Ostia). Ostia Antica was the harbor city of ancient Rome and was therefore an important commercial center.
This video explores some of the highlights of Ostia, Rome's well-preserved (but often overlooked) port city. Check out for a video on the fascinating Roman coins that allow us to reconstruct Ostia's harbor facilities.
Ostia Antica is an ancient Roman city located about 25 kilometers (16 miles) southwest of Rome, Italy. It was the port city of Rome and one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire.
Ostia Antica was founded in the 7th century BC and grew rapidly in the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. At its peak, the city had a population of over 100,000 people. Ostia Antica was a major center of trade and commerce, and it was also home to a number of important temples, theaters, and other public buildings.
Alexander the Great (r. 336-323 BCE) founded cities in the region (such as Gerasa) and the Nabateans carved their capital city of Petra there from sandstone cliffs. Early in its history the area attracted and inspired traders, artists, philosophers, craftsmen and, inevitably, conquerors all of whom have left their mark on the history of the modern-day country.
This website is dedicated to Ostia, the harbour city of ancient Rome. Here you will find information for professional archaeologists and historians, for students of Roman archaeology and history, and for interested lay-people.
