John Hauser
Despite what you may have heard, climatologists are virtually unanimous in agreement that global warming is real, that humans are the main cause, and that it will almost surely be the greatest threat in this century to the welfare of every nation, far ahead of terrorism. George W. Bush and other influential Republicans have done nearly all in their power to prevent action on this problem, even belittling climate researchers as tree-hugging, extremist geeks. British Prime Minister Tony Blair all but begged Bush to take the issue seriously. Every day of delay only adds to the problem, as the increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is essentially irreversible.

Pictures of History - Ostia

Ostia was a town connected to the port of Rome during the time of the Roman Empire. The Mediterranean Sea was the main highway of the Roman world, yet Rome is located on the Tiber River almost 40 kilometers inland from the sea. Ostia grew up where the Tiber empties into the Mediterranean, a natural place of arrival and departure for ships. During the early days of the Roman Empire an artificial harbor--the Roman port--was built nearby, and was later expanded.

When Rome fell, Ostia and the port were also attacked. Afterwards, Ostia lost its importance and was gradually deserted. Though never completely lost like Pompeii, much of Ostia remained hidden until excavated in the twentieth century. Most of the ruins visible today date from the late Roman Empire.

Overviews  (3 images)
Public areas  (9)
Streets and businesses  (6)
Baths of the Seven Sages  (6)
House of the Charioteers  (7)
Marble and mosaics  (9)

Back to Roman Empire index Start with Overviews
Related sites

The Internet Group Ostia's premier Ostia Web site.
Photographs of Ostia at the Maecenas Web site.
A walkthrough of Ostia from In Italy Online.

John Hauser, 2003 May 12