But it is not just the geometric pattern floors that are stunners. In Ostia Antica, you’ll find gods and goddesses, fanciful sea creatures, and celebrity boxers depicted for all eternity. In the photo at the top of this post, Neptune (holding his trident) rides through the sea drawn by galloping sea-horses, surrounded by mermen and sea creatures (that giant shrimp looks rather tasty). Appropriately enough, that mosaic graced a bathhouse.
Venus rises from the sea while someone helpfully hands her a towel
A boxer — his name above him — strikes a pose. Clearly, he worked out.
A figure in flowing robes, looking a bit like the Statue of Liberty.
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A putti rides a dolphin
Ostia was Rome’s most important port, and many of the mosaics demonstrate the importance of commerce at this once bustling city. Some terrific ones are at the the “Forum of the Corporations,” located behind the theater. This is where “corporations” of ship-owners, importers, grain traders, and even wild animal importers had their shops, and indicated their business in the mosaic out front — in short, a permanent business sign, for which no translation would ever be needed.
Mosaic of a ship – one of many at Ostia (and a pine cone from one of the umbrella pines)
A ship sails by a light house
An amphora between two palm trees — perhaps filled with wine, fish sauce, or olive oil?
Baskets with what seems to be a scale of some kind, perhaps for the weighing of grain
Just in case you needed to buy an elephant
This is just a tiny taste of the hundreds of wonderful mosaics still in-situ at Ostia Antica. I can’t recommend a trip to this ancient place highly enough.
In the heart of Rome's Historic Center, between the beautiful Spanish Steps and the famous Trevi Fountain, this luxury two bedroom, two bathroom apartment is surrounded by fine dining and fabulous shopping. It is within walking distance of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and many other historic sites and museums, and near the subway, taxi stands, bus stops, and bike rental. Located in a traditional Roman palazzo, the apartment was fully renovated in late 2010 and is now available for vacation and short-term rental. View all posts by spanishstepsapartment
The Spanish Steps Apartment on Via della Mercede 