The Roman Way of Life and Death at Ostia - The Port of Rome

Explore the ancient Roman port city of Ostia in this 76-minute lecture from Yale University's Roman Architecture course. Delve into the city's public spaces, including the Forum, Capitolium, Theater, and Piazzale delle Corporazioni, where shipping companies advertised their services through intricate mosaics. Examine the innovative multi-story residential buildings and widespread use of brick-faced concrete that characterized Ostia's architecture. Discover the Baths of Neptune and the Insula of Diana, a four-story apartment building that housed working families. Learn about the aesthetic appreciation of exposed brick in second-century Ostia, a departure from the typical practice of covering brick with stucco and paint. Conclude with a survey of single-family dwellings, including the fourth-century House of Cupid and Psyche, notable for its pastel marble decor and charming statue. Gain insights into Ostia's civic, commercial, residential, and funerary architecture, as well as its decorative arts, in this comprehensive exploration of Roman urban life and death.