Some Ostia comments while we wait in Port
Persevere
Pat and Bruce
Wed 14 Apr 2010 19:32
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Ostia is an old settlement starting around the 7th
centrury BC. Around 212 BC it became one of the major grain ports
essentially to supply the military but it developed into a more commercial
enterprise. Emperor Claudius (41-54 AD) decided to upgrade the port
significantly along the Tiber river. In 62 AD a storm came a
destroyed 200 boats and 100 ships, not so good for Emperor Nero. Emperor
Trajan (98-117 AD) created a new basin. Things went well and by 309 AD it
was given a mint. But by 312 AD Constantine closed the mint. It was
also given its first basilica, officially Christian. From this moment
on it would be the bishop of Ostia who consecrated the pope to the chair of
Rome.
By the 5th century the city declined and was a not
significant place, being bypassed by the Barbarian invasions.. Earlier
around 190 AD the city housed 50,000 people.
Today there are still many ruins. The Tiber
river change course after the 1557 flood and is about 200 meters away from the
old port. There is remaining the old theater build by Emperor Augustus and
enlarged by Commodus. Overall there are a significant amount of ruins that
take hours to tour.
Worth a internet search.
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