Imperial Rome's Great Ancient Seaport City

Archaeologists are investigating a large unexplored harbor structure using a new excavation model
It was mentioned in the novels, I, Claudius and Claudius the God in scenes spanning from the reign of Augustus through the reign of Claudius, and it was mentioned in the movie, Gladiator, in the scene where Maximus is informed that he had a loyal army encamped there and awaiting his orders. Historically, it is documented as the Roman harbor city of Ostia, the vital town of maritime commerce near the sea at the mouth of the Tiber River. Today it is a large archaeological site that now lies about 3 km from the sea, a distance created through time by silting and a drop in sea level. It is known for its well-preserved and impressive ancient buildings, mosaics and frescoes (see photo images below). Now, archaeologists are investigating a find here that has never been explored, using a new model of archaeological excavation.

Co-directed by Dr. Darius Arya and Dr. Alberto Prieta of the American Institute of Roman Culture, the team will be investigating a large, 10m long by 3m wide structure made of concrete walls faced with brick, vaulting, marble features and massive travertine blocks. Obscured now by vegetation and a large fig tree, it was once located along the ancient coastline. It may have been a part of the ancient port facilities, which have been and are now being extensively investigated, including an Imperial Age Roman wooden ship, the first Roman ship ever to have been found near Ostia and discovered by archaeologists of the Superintendency of Rome and Ostia in 2011. According to the project leadership, archaeologists "will operate on the leaner, low-impact/high-return model of archaeological investigation that is gaining ground over the traditional open-area excavation model and its high costs in labor, maintenance, and conservation".[1] Beginning in the winter of 2011-2012, they will defoliate and clear the structure so that they can document and analyze the standing remains. Next, a series of carefully placed trenches will be excavated along the standing walls to determine the foundation depths, the height of the structure, and its chronology. Finally, they hope to be able to study and analyze the various finds excavated from the trenches and determine the purpose and function of the structure and its relationship to the activities carried out at ancient Ostia.

In addition, the team hopes to continue important conservation work in a nearby area of ancient structures using an experimental technique that shows promise for protecting and sustaining them from the negative effects of invasive vegetation growth, a problem that continues to threaten their integrity and visibility. The technique is also expected to lower the maintenance cost of Ostia's ancient architecture.

The significance of the site of Ostia lies in its importance as a port and harbor for the incoming and outgoing ships of commerce and for military purposes. Here, the consular war fleet was docked in 68 BC, sacked and destroyed by pirates that same year. The building stones of the walls of the 3rd century BC castrum (or military camp) that was stationed at Ostia provide important information about the building techniques that were used during the Middle Republic period. At its height in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, it contained about 75,000 inhabitants. Archaeologically speaking, the architectural remains and artifacts of ancient Ostia have contributed and will likely continue to contribute immeasurably to the world's understanding of Roman life-ways from its early beginnings through the Imperial period. Large-scale excavations began in 1938 and have continued off and on under various auspices since that time. It is estimated that approximately two thirds of the city has been excavated, but much more remains in terms of additional excavation, study, conservation and restoration.

The AIRC is calling for students and others who may have an interest in participating in their 2012 expedition. Interested individuals may access detailed information at http://romanculture.org/page/summer-2012-excavation-ostia.
http://popular-archaeology.com/issue/december-2011/article/imperial-rome-s-great-ancient-seaport-city