The ancient Ostia was a Roman coastal city on the Tyrrhenian Sea, founded by Quiriti who wanted to have a natural passage to the sea. Now is about 2 km from the coast. It was the port of ancient Rome and perhaps its first colony.
Ostia Antica is from the center of Rome about 30 minutes. Along the Via del Mare or Via Cristoforo Colombo come to Ostia Antica, the ancient Roman city of imperial, whose name derives from the Latin "ostium" - mouth of the river.
Founded around the fourth century BC by King Anco Marzio, Ostia developed a thriving business but following the barbarian invasions and the subsequent slow silting of the Tiber, began its decay.
The archaeological excavations of Ostia Antica, which began in the early years of last century, noted the presence of Roman civilization for about 900 years.
The entrance is on Via delle Tombe where begins the main street: the Decumanus Maximus, which crosses the city.
Then we meet the Baths of Neptune where you can admire the famous mosaics of Neptune and Anfitrite, the Theater, built by Agrippa and the Forum, the center of the city. Here there are the main public buildings and worship: the Capitolium, the Temple of Rome and Augustus, the basilica and large baths Forum. On the square of the Forum, there is also the home of Diana and Termopolium, an ancient Roman bar.
The Theatre
The theatre is one of the major and fascinating structures of the archaeological excavations. It can accommodate 4000 people. It is still used for shows and concerts.
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