Slideshow
Ostia Antica is an interesting complex of Roman-era ruins featuring remains from the time when Ostia-Antica was the major port for the imperial city of Rome. The history of Ostia-Antica actually precedes Roman imperial times, when it first became a town, due to being close to major salt deposits. It later became Rome's first colony. It evolved into a naval base, protecting Rome from invasion by sea. During Rome's heyday, circa 150AD, since Rome controlled the Mediterranean, its naval base was no longer required, and it changed to a major port. If the Romans had bread, they were fine, and much of the wheat to make that bread came thought this port.
The layout of the city is preserved, and most of the buildings' walls remain for much of what was a port city. Some decorative exteriors remain as well. It took 3-4 hours to see all of it. It was interesting to see the layout and characteristics common to Roman towns still standing -- the public areas, the temple area, the commercial/forum and residential areas. There were also remains of elaborate floor mosaics in several areas. The entire complex is rather peaceful and park like.
