Additionally, it has been speculated that by the Early Iron Age, i.e. This is due to the presence of salt-pans to the east of Ostia Antica, and salt may have already been extracted there during this period. Human beings may have been present in the area of Ostia Antica as early as the Middle and Late Bronze Age, i.e. Ostia Antica was originally set on the shoreline. The site is situated about 18 miles (30 kilometers) to the west of Rome. As a consequence, Ostia Antica became landlocked and is today almost 2 miles (3 kilometers) from the sea. In ancient times, Ostia Antica was on the Tyrrhenian coast and had direct access to the sea.įrom the Middle Ages onward, however, the natural silting of the delta resulted in the movement of the shoreline further out into the sea. The ‘mouth’ here refers to the mouth of the Tiber River, where the site was located. The name ‘Ostia’ (which is the plural of ‘ostium’) is derived from the Latin ‘os’, which means ‘mouth’. Today, Ostia Antica is an archaeological park that is open to the public. ![]() Under the regime of Benito Mussolini, excavations at Ostia Antica intensified, until about two thirds of the site were unearthed. Nevertheless, for the most part, Ostia Antica was largely left undisturbed.ĭuring the 19th century, the first archaeological excavations were carried out under papal authority. During the Medieval and Renaissance periods, the ruins of the ancient Roman city were quarried for building materials and sculptor’s marble respectively. This decline was gradual, and Ostia Antica was finally abandoned during the 9th century AD. ![]() The city enjoyed great prosperity during the Imperial period, but began to decline around the 3rd century AD. Ostia Antica was the harbor city of ancient Rome and was therefore an important commercial center. 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 is an archaeological site located on the outskirts of Rome.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |