October 25, 2018 - We traveled outside the city today to Ostia Antica. This was a colony of Rome that was situated on the Tiber River and was founded in the 4th century BC. It was at the mouth of the river and a busy shipping port. Ostia was a working class town whose ruins are remarkably intact. It provides a good glimpse at what life was like for everyday Romans.
What is fascinating is that Rome made almost nothing for her people that would attend their daily needs. What I mean is that despite the fact they were world class engineers, built amazing structures and temples, and ruled a thousand year empire; they imported almost 100% of their daily needs. They did not grow food in the general sense. Instead they took it from conquered lands and brought it back to feed the hundreds of thousands. The entire economy was based on this system. It was not sustainable and after awhile contributed to the fall of the empire.
If you were a Roman, you essentially camped near your daily needs. Your apartment was a place to sleep. You did not cook there or use the toilet at home. It was dank and fetid. You went out to eat, see the picture of me at the bar. You used the community toilets - men and women together. And you went to the ubiquitous baths and theaters. The theater you see in the picture Is 2,000 years old and held 4,000 people. It still has concerts today.
Tomorrow is our last nice weather day for several days. Rain starts on Saturday and Sunday.
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