Ancient City Ostia

The founding of Ostia, possibly as the first Roman colony, is traditionally attributed to the fourth king of Rome, Ancus Marcius, in the 7th century BC. However, archaeological findings date the oldest structures, including the Castrum and the Capitol, to the 3rd century BC. It is believed that Ostia originally emerged as a military camp after Rome's victory over Veii in the 4th century BC, to protect the capital and control maritime trade. It quickly developed into an important port and naval base. In the 1st century BC, the city was plundered by Gaius Marius but recovered quickly. Under Emperors Augustus and Tiberius, Ostia experienced extensive construction activity. As the mouth of the Tiber silted up, Claudius had a new seaport built, which was expanded under Trajan. Ostia reached its peak in the 2nd century AD with around 50,000 inhabitants, before a decline began in the 3rd century. With the elevation of Portus to a colonia under Constantine and its later incorporation into Rome, Ostia lost importance. In the 5th century, the city's population dwindled, and the ports lost relevance. After the Gothic Wars and the spread of malaria, Ostia was barely inhabited. In the 9th century, the remaining inhabitants were relocated, and a new fortified suburb, Gregoriopoli, emerged.

The ancient city of Ostia is located in present-day Ostia Antica, a district of Rome in the Lazio region, Italy. It lies at an elevation of approximately 6 m above sea level, near the mouth of the Tiber.

The impressive remains of the ancient city of Ostia are now accessible to visitors and can be explored. They offer a comprehensive insight into the life of a Roman port city.

• Ancient City Ostia-Capitolium (Ancient Buildings), approx. 0.1 km away
• Terme dei Sette Sapienti (Ancient Buildings), approx. 0.4 km away
• Castello di Giulio (Fortress), approx. 1.2 km away
• Castello della Magliana (Castle), approx. 13.4 km away