The Theatre at Ostia Antica

In yesterday's blip of Hadrian's Villa at Tivoli I mentioned that it was one of two major archaeological sites we wanted to visit on our short break in Rome. The second of these was the ancient Roman port of Ostia Antica, which we visited today.

Once again the site was fantastic and I took so many photos I have found it difficult to select one for a blip. I have chosen this image looking across the Theatre towards the Forum of the Corporations.

The Theatre dates from the time of Augustus in the 1st century BC, and was further developed under Commodus (of 'Gladiator' fame), Severus and Caracalla. It was the first building to be excavated during the 19th century, and is largely a reconstruction.

The Forum of the Corporations also dates from the 1st century BC. In Roman times it opened onto the banks of the Tiber and was where the most important merchants and entrepreneurs of Ostia had their offices. It contains many fascinating well-preserved mosaics.