Imperial Rome’s Great Ancient Seaport City

archaeologicalnews:

It was mentioned in the novels, I, Claudius and Claudius the God in scenes spanning from the reign of Augustus through the reign of Claudius, and it was mentioned in the movie, Gladiator, in the scene where Maximus is informed that he had a loyal army encamped there and awaiting his orders. Historically, it is documented as the Roman harbor city of Ostia, the vital town of maritime commerce near the sea at the mouth of the Tiber River. Today it is a large archaeological site that now lies about 3 km from the sea, a distance created through time by silting and a drop in sea level. It is known for its well-preserved and impressive ancient buildings, mosaics and frescoes. Now, archaeologists are investigating a find here that has never been explored, using a new model of archaeological excavation.

Co-directed by Dr. Darius Arya and Dr. Alberto Prieta of the American Institute of Roman Culture, the team will be investigating a large, 10m long by 3m wide structure made of concrete walls faced with brick, vaulting, marble features and massive travertine blocks. Obscured now by vegetation and a large fig tree, it was once located along the ancient coastline. Read more.

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   Rome, but have you heard...Rome’s port city. Today,...short...

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