Rome's Lost Harbor

A 1998 History Channel Documentary narrated by David Ackroyd.

Ostia Antica (derived from os, the Latin for “mouth”) was the preeminent harbor city of ancient Rome, with its geographical location being around 19 miles from the ‘eternal city’. And while in modern circumstances, the site lies around 2 miles away from the sea, due to silting, the area is still home to a flurry of well preserved ancient Roman architectural specimens, frescoes and mosaics.

Once it was a priceless jewel in the crown of the Roman Empire a vibrant seaport where the streets overflowed with traders and merchants from around the world. But well before the fall of the Empire, the city of Ostia began a long decline, and for nearly 1,600 years it was abandoned, left to crumble into the sea.

This program tells the complete history of the ruined city that has become second in importance only to Pompeii to modern scholars of Rome. See why its decline and desertion make Ostia so valuable to archaeologists and historians today, and examine their latest finds. Go beneath the waves to view remnants of Rome's ancient glory engulfed by the waters of the Mediterranean. And meet the men and women who are uncovering its long hidden secrets.