Digital Maps of the Ancient World

Ostia

Embark on a virtual journey through the ancient streets of Ostia with our meticulously crafted digital map. Immerse yourself in the vibrant life of this bustling Roman port city, where the echoes of commerce, daily activities, and maritime trade come to life.

Our interactive map offers a detailed representation of Ostia’s layout, capturing the essence of its role as a vital hub connecting Rome to the Mediterranean. Explore the intricacies of the city’s architecture, from the impressive public buildings to the intimate spaces of private homes.

Navigate through the well-preserved streets, markets, and forums, each corner revealing a piece of Ostia’s rich history. Zoom in to examine the remnants of ancient frescoes and mosaics that adorned the walls of houses and public spaces, providing a glimpse into the artistic and cultural aspects of Roman life.

Markers scattered across the map serve as windows into Ostia’s past, offering historical insights into the purpose and significance of each site. Whether you’re drawn to the grand Theater, the bustling Decumanus Maximus, or the religious sanctuaries scattered throughout the city, our map provides a comprehensive guide to Ostia’s archaeological wonders.

Experience the Roman city of Ostia in a new light, unraveling its secrets through an immersive digital exploration. This map is not just a visual recreation but a tool for historical discovery, offering a dynamic perspective on the urban planning and cultural heritage of this archaeological gem.

Step into the past and witness the legacy of Ostia through our digital map. Uncover the stories embedded in its ruins and let the history of this remarkable city unfold in the digital realm.

For scholarship on the city see the Ostia Reading List.

Glossary

• Aedile – Town magistrate who managed the day to day administration of public buildings and regulation of public festivals.
• Ala – Wing or alcove opening to left and/or right of the atrium of a Roman house.
• Amphitheatrum – An amphitheatre.
• Apodyterium – A changing room of a Roman baths.
• Ara – An altar.
• Atrium – The main hall of a Roman house.
• Basilica – Colonnaded public hall on the Forum, used for commercial transactions and dispensing of justice.
• Bolonae – A fishmongers shop.
• Caldarium – The hot room of a Roman baths.
• Caupona – An inn or tavern, which served hot food.
• Compluvium – An opening in the roof, which had below it, a water tank (impluvium) in the atrium floor.
• Cubiculum – A bedroom.
• Domus – A house within a city.
• Duovir – Two senior magistrates of the colony, elected annually, who presided over the decurion council.
• Fauces – Entranceway to a house, leading to the atrium.
• Fons – Public fountain.
• Forum – A Forum was the main center of a Roman city. Usually located near the physical center of a Roman town, it served as a public area in which commercial, religious, economic, political, legal, and social activities occurred. Fora were common in all Roman cities, but none were as grand as the fora of Rome itself.
• Frigidarium – The cold room of a Roman baths.
• Fullonica – A laundry.
• Hospitium – Inn or lodgings.
• Impluvium – A water tank on the floor of the atrium, which had directly above it, an opening (compluvium) in the roof.
• Lararium – A shrine to the household gods.
• Macellum – A market.
• Mithraeum – A temple of the mystery cult of Mithras.
• Nymphaeum – A ornamental fountain.
• Oecus – The main living room of a Greek house, introduced to Roman architecture along with the peristyle. Often used for dining.
• Palaestra – An open area surrounded by covered porticoes used for wrestling and exercise, often forming part of a Roman bath complex.
• Peristyle – An open courtyard or garden surrounded by a colonnade.
• Pistrinum – A bakery or mill.
• Popina – A wine bar, with a simple selection of foods also available.
• Porta – A town gate.
• Posticum – A house’s second entrance, or backdoor.
• Sacellum – A shrine.
• Statio Vindemitorum – A grape-gatherer’s post, part of the wine-making process.
• Taberna – A shop.
• Tablinum – A study.
• Templum – A temple.
• Tepidarium – The warm room of a Roman baths.
• Theatrum – A theatre
• Thermae – Roman bath complex.
• Thermopolium – A bar, where hot and cold food was sold over the counter.
• Triclinium – A dining room.
• Villa – A house in the country.