Rivers, Roads, and Ports

Abstract

This chapter explores the infrastructure of transport systems in detail, considering the roads and sea-lanes, harbors, docks, wharves, and warehouses that provided the means by which the city of Rome was supplied. The connective infrastructure of the Republican period focused on the development of roads and riverine ports. Ostia was the primary riverine port of Republican Rome, located approximately 35 kilometers downstream at the estuary of the Tiber. While without doubt a lifeline for the city's development and prosperity, the river also posed a continuous natural challenge. By the imperial period, matters of the Tiber were dealt with by the curatores riparum et alvei Tiberis, who maintained offices at both Rome and Ostia. Throughout the imperial period, port areas developed for particular commodities, equipped with specialized warehousing and dedicated sales areas.

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