Why Ostia Antica
is special

It is the best preserved ancient Roman town. It has superlative mosaics and balconied multi-story buildings.

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Top 5 attractions
of Ostia Antica

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Don't miss seeing these

My top-five list:

Baths of Neptune
Splendid mosaic.

Piazza of the Corporations
Artistic mosaics visually identify the specialties of dozens of companies (for the multitude who could not read).

Amphitheatre
Still being used today.

Forum
Remains of major temples.

Fireman's barracks
Ruins of a large fire-unit complex.

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Purpose

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What functions
did the town serve?

Ostia Antica served as both a military camp (to prevent invaders from sailing up the Tiber River to reach Rome) and the major commercial port for imports from distant lands destined for Rome.

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How Pompeii and
Ostia Antica differ

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Quick comparison

True, Pompeii is a more exciting tourist draw than Ostia Antica because it was dramatically buried under the ashes of a Vesuvius eruption. However, Ostia Antica has its pluses. It is better preserved and gives the visitor a better idea of what a typical ancient Roman town was like.

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Click

Ostia Antica - Page two

for more pointers

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More Italy topics

Wonders of Italy - Home page

Italy wonder map

Basic Italian phrases

Italian cuisine

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Enit - Tourist Board

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