Ancient Ostia (Ostia Antica)

Ancient Ostia, or Ostia Antica, was once a bustling port city with a population of around 50,000. As the Roman Empire expanded, the city was eventually abandoned and buried under silt as the Tiber River’s course shifted. This protective layer of mud preserved the town’s dwellings and commercial structures, making the Ostia Antica archaeological park one of Italy’s best-preserved sites. Visitors today can explore the well-preserved ruins, offering a vivid glimpse into the daily life of an ancient Roman port. The site’s extensive preservation has led some to consider it even more informative than Pompeii.