Ostia Antica, harbour of the Imperial Rome - A computer reconstruction

This is a video of my reconstructions of the Roman town of Ostia. The Ostia Antica Park is one of the largest and most important italian archaeological sites of the ancient Rome. With his fifty hectares, its buildings and its streets, it testifies the development of a large urban and commercial center during the imperial age. Ostia was the most important port of the antiquity, the gate of Rome on the Mediterranean sea.

This ancient roman town is located at the mouth of the Tiber, hence its name: in fact 'ostium' in latin means 'mouth of the river'. It was a quite large town and for its importance and extension it was called 'the second Rome'.

I have visited the town many times during my life and each time I was amazed by its monuments, its mosaics, its architecture. I have projected myself in a imaginary world, trying to picture the buildings around me. This reconstruction is the product of my researches and long study of the roman architecture that ended up with the modeling of a huge 3d model (around 15 million of polygons) representing the whole town - and part of the neighborhood.
According to my knowledge (and please let me know if I am wrong), this is the first time this town has been entirely reconstructed in 3D.

I have produced many still images and packaged them into apps for iOS and Android, a sort of archeological guide based only on 3d images. You can find more info about the iOS apps on my web site at:

or searching 'ostia antica' on the Apple Store or on the Google Play.

If you enjoyed watching this video, I would be really glad to read your comments. Drop a line here or just click 'I like'. I will know you appreciated my work....

Thank you

PS: Updated on 18 August 2016. More images on the site:

[rigel]

The Romans sure did love arches and columns. The theater must have been beautiful in its time.

[vordulak]

I was born and raised in Ostia, my compliment, you did a great job 👍🏻

[GazmanDood]

My wife and I visited Ostia Antica just 3 weeks ago with Trafalgar (we are from Australia) we couldn't believe how beautiful it was or must have been. You're wonderful reconstruction in 3D was extremely satisfying to watch as it helped use visualise how it must have looked in it's time.

Thanks and well done.

[lisashears]

We've been to Ostia. Beautiful mesmerising place we will go back xx

[a-r-welm]

Absolutely incredible. Thank you so much for creating this.

[AndSendMe]

Really enjoyed this! After seeing some videos on the ruins this really brought it to life for me. Thank you!

[paulinmiami]

One of my favorite places in Italy, which is my favorite country to visit. I love the umbrella pines. In Pompeii, I discovered the exact same mosaic floor at the House of the Tragic Poet which is original in my house here built by Henry Ford`s associate. I always love to return to Ostia Antica, also the Via Appia Antica.

[Swingitaliano]

Sono di quelle parti e conosco bene gli scavi. Grazie della ricostruzione!

[julioreis]

What one should say. Your wok is just magnificent. You take me to the civilization with your reconstruction. It's fabulous to know how was the places where roman empire people lived. It's a travel in time. Thank you so much. Wonderfull job.

[emiliopersichilli]

Congratulations, excellent video, wonderful, thank you

[xPirus]

Beautiful. I might use some of those images in my book playing during Roman times. Thanks 💗💫🙏

[AugustinianThomist]

Hi, is it possible for me to use a small 10 second clip of the small 4 temples section West of the theater for my own 40min video on a guide to ancient Ostia? I will cite and credit your video. Thanks.

[dagmarbubolz]

visited twice, first at 20 years old with two friends, then at 45 with my kids, magical place

[aeroarcheoclub]

Fantastico! Il video fa anche capire che alcuni edifici della Ostia moderna (come il Vittorio Emanuele) si sono chiaramente richiamati allo stile dell'Antica Ostia.

[Accio_Eloise]

this was really lovely to watch. thank you.

[waweetabbubak]

Youve done a great work. I appreciated it. Thanks...

[raminagrobis]

I am amazed by the details in tge reconstruction . They have been able to gather as much information as that we see in your video, ? If so, I am flabvergasted. From the little I know about Ostia Antiqua, it is one of the best preserved ancient Roman city in the world, some say even better than Herculaneum.

[sabinezimmermann]

I'll be there tomorrow for the 5th time😁 I just love it.

[rxr_erden]

Finalmente quello che cercavo usero il video per un lavoro di scuola

[johnrogan]

The Roman aqueduct is amazing too...lead pipes that carried hot water to the villas...these people had a government that worked for them.