The Thieves of Ostia :: Historical Background

The historical background to
The Thieves of Ostia

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Ostia, the port of ancient Rome, was and is a real place. Today, it is one of the nicest ancient sites in the Mediterranean. Located about 16 miles outside Rome, Ostia Antica (ancient Ostia) is not to be confused with the modern town of Ostia Lido (Ostia beach).

If you visit the site of Ostia Antica, you can see the remains of many warehouses, inns, temples, public baths and houses.

Some places in this story are real: the theatre and synagogue, for example. Other places are made up, like Flavia's house and Aurarius's workshop. But they COULD be there, we just haven't found them.

Audio Guide to Ostia Ostia Antica Lupus's Guide Visiting Isola Sacra

Caroline Lawrence on the beach at Ostia Lido (a few miles from Ostia Antica)