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Roman Trade & Economy
Understand Economic Life in the Empire
Trips starting from
$
13
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Trip Details
"The safety of Rome is bound up in the strength of Ostia." - Cicero
1 Full Day
Upgrade Your World View
Welcome to our Ostia tour, a key part of our "Rise & Fall of Rome" series that focuses on the vital role of trade and economy in Roman history. Positioned at the Tiber's mouth, Ostia served as Rome’s gateway, linking the ancient city to the expansive trade networks of the Mediterranean that fueled its imperial expansion.
As we explore the remnants of Ostia's bustling port, you'll see how it functioned as a central hub in the Mediterranean, crucial for the economic integration of the empire's diverse regions. We'll examine how Rome, as one of the first megacities, managed to sustain a population of one million, with grains transported from across the Mediterranean—from Sardinia to Egypt—showcasing an early example of a globalized supply chain. We’ll also delve into Roman maritime culture and shipbuilding techniques.
However, our main goal for this tour is not just to deepen your understanding of the Roman economy but also to provide you with opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations with other curious travelers. These discussions are designed to help build relationships and expand your worldview. We can’t wait to see where that takes you!
1 Full Day
Upgrade Your World View
Exclusive Videos by Dr. Billows
Dr. Billows, one of the world's leading thinkers on the ancient world, has crafted a punchy primer for you to brush up your Roman history.
Explore Ostia with Experts
You’ll be accompanied by expert archaeologists able to explain this port cities role in the Roman economy & roman maritime culture.
Lunch & Transport Included
We'll pick you up from central Rome and bring you back, but not before you've enjoyed a lovely seafood lunch between site visits.
Welcome to our Ostia tour, a key part of our "Rise & Fall of Rome" series that focuses on the vital role of trade and economy in Roman history. Positioned at the Tiber's mouth, Ostia served as Rome’s gateway, linking the ancient city to the expansive trade networks of the Mediterranean that fueled its imperial expansion.
As we explore the remnants of Ostia's bustling port, you'll see how it functioned as a central hub in the Mediterranean, crucial for the economic integration of the empire's diverse regions. We'll examine how Rome, as one of the first megacities, managed to sustain a population of one million, with grains transported from across the Mediterranean—from Sardinia to Egypt—showcasing an early example of a globalized supply chain. We’ll also delve into Roman maritime culture and shipbuilding techniques.
However, our main goal for this tour is not just to deepen your understanding of the Roman economy but also to provide you with opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations with other curious travelers. These discussions are designed to help build relationships and expand your worldview. We can’t wait to see where that takes you!
Dr. Richard Billows
Historian
Columbia UniversityRichard A. Billows, a Professor at Columbia University, specializes in Ancient Greek and Roman History and has authored several books on topics ranging from Julius Caesar's role in the decline of the Roman republic to the development of classical Greek city-states.
Dr. Paolo Gardelli
Archeologist
Ludwig-Maximilians University, MunichDr. Gardelli is a dedicated archaeologist and author based in Rome, known for his extensive research, fieldwork, and expertise in Roman history, art, and architecture, particularly focused on Rome and the Bay of Naples region.
Dr. Lorenzo Curatella
Medieval Archeologist
University of Rome, La SapienzaLorenzo Curatella specializes in religious and funerary culture in medieval Rome, with a strong background in archaeology and a range of excavation and research experience in Italy and Israel. He has a PhD from the University of Rome, La Sapienza.
Travel Itinerary
Each day we explore a different aspect of the Roman story.
1
Morning - Ostia Antica
Roman Economy
In Ostia, the ancient port city of Rome, you’ll discover how this bustling hub played a pivotal role in the Mediterranean economy. Our tour will focus on key economic sites such as the Piazzale delle Corporazioni, which once served as the heart of commerce, and offer insights into the logistical prowess that dominated the region. We’ll also visit the Piccolo Mercato, Domus di Amore e Psiche, Area Repubblicana, Insula del Serapide, Caseggiato degli Aurighi, Porta Marina, the impressive Terme di Nettuno, and much more. By the end of today, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the strategic importance of Ostia in ancient Rome and the foundations of the ancient economy, as well as a look into the daily lives of port workers and merchants who lived in the area.
2
Afternoon - Ostia
Roman Maritime Culture
After our seafood-filled lunch, you’ll dive into the rich maritime history that shaped the empire. Starting with the Isola Sacra, you’ll walk through the serene grounds of the Necropolis, where ornate tombs provide insights into ancient burial customs and societal beliefs. As we approach the shoreline, the remnants of the Ports of Claudius and Trajan stand as a testament to Rome’s engineering prowess, highlighting the strategic importance of these structures in controlling Mediterranean trade. Your visit will also include a stop at the Fiumicino Ship Museum, where preserved Roman ships offer a rare glimpse into the naval architecture and maritime activities crucial to Rome’s economic expansion. This tour will not only highlight the architectural and historical significance of these sites but also connect you with the lives of those who navigated the waters of the ancient world.
What’s Included?
Online Course
Dr. Richard Billows
Course Creator & Lecturer
Dr. Billows has masterfully crafted a pre-trip lecture series including the following themes and videos:
Overview
- A timeline of Roman history from the foundation to Christianity
- What can we learn from Rome and its fall?
Roman Economic Life
- The port of Ostia, gateway to Rome
- Mediterranean trade and the Roman Empire
- The food supply of the city of Rome
Guided Tours
Our expert guides and host will guide you through all the experiences included in the itinerary:
- Archeological site tours
- Museum visits
- City walking tours
Food Experiences
- 1 seafood filled lunch by the sea
Transport
- Car transfer from Rome to Ostia and back
- Private van transfer between Ostia, Fiumicino and all other sites
Online Course
Dr. Richard Billows
Course Creator & Lecturer
Dr. Billows has masterfully crafted a pre-trip lecture series including the following themes and videos:
Overview
- A timeline of Roman history from the foundation to Christianity
- What can we learn from Rome and its fall?
Roman Economic Life
- The port of Ostia, gateway to Rome
- Mediterranean trade and the Roman Empire
- The food supply of the city of Rome
Guided ToursOur expert guides and host will guide you through all the experiences included in the itinerary:
- Archeological site tours
- Museum visits
- City walking tours
Food Experiences- 1 seafood filled lunch by the sea
Transport- Car transfer from Rome to Ostia and back
- Private van transfer between Ostia, Fiumicino and all other sites
Our Guides
Enjoy the good company of your expert local guides who will breath life into the Roman Empire's story!
Dr. Crispin Corrado
Classical Art Historian & Expert Guide
Dr. Corrado is a classical archaeologist specialized in Roman art. She curated classical art for the RISD Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Vatican Museums. She received a BA in Classical Studies and a MA in Art History at the University of Chicago, followed by a PhD in Classical Archaeology at Brown University.
Dr. Paolo Gardelli
Archeologist & Expert Guide, Co-Creator of "Rise & Fall of Rome" Trip
Dr. Gardelli is an archaeologist with 20+ years' experience leading digs in Pompeii, Castellammare di Stabia, and Greece. His expertise includes building archaeology, wall paintings, mosaics, and Roman social history. Holding degrees in Cultural Heritage and Classical Archaeology, he earned his PhD at Ludwig Maximilians Universität in Munich, Germany.
Dr. Dimosthenis Kosmopoulos
Archaeologist
Dr. Kosmopoulos, born in Rome, earned his Ph.D. at the University of Rome "La Sapienza," specializing in Republican-era temple architecture in the Italic peninsula. He has participated in numerous archaeological digs, including the Roman Forum and Mausoleum of Augustus, and collaborates regularly with the Department of Classics and the "Soprintendenza Archeologica." Since 2013, he has been a licensed tour guide, focusing on Ostia Antica and the Roman Forum.
Book with Confidence
Reserve with a 10% deposit
Reserve your place with just a fully refundable 10% deposit.
Full refund policy
Full refund for reservations canceled 60 days before the trip.
Financial failure protection
Your payments are insured by ABTOT in accordance with The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. See our Terms & Conditions for full details.
Not quite ready to book?
Click below to receive more details in your inbox or to schedule a call with an expert.
Trip Departure Dates
Review the number of travelers, date and total price & deposit
Saturday, 16th November
BOOKINGS OPENDeposit amount: $1.25
Future payments: $11.25
Saturday, 2nd November
BOOKINGS OPENDeposit amount: $41.25
Future payments: $371.25
Saturday, 16th November
BOOKINGS OPENDeposit amount: $41.25
Future payments: $371.25
Saturday, 7th September
BOOKINGS OPENDeposit amount: $41.25
Future payments: $371.25
Saturday, 21st September
BOOKINGS OPENDeposit amount: $41.25
Future payments: $371.25
Saturday, 5th October
BOOKINGS OPENDeposit amount: $41.25
Future payments: $371.25
Saturday, 19th October
BOOKINGS OPENDeposit amount: $41.25
Future payments: $371.25
Key Information
- Guests must provide proof of travel insurance for their adventure’s duration.
- Flights are not included in the price.
- Prices are based on twin room sharing. For a single room preference, please contact our team.
- Before booking, check the required documents, visas, and vaccinations for your destination and make sure you have enough time to take care of any potential requierments
For assistance of any kind, please contact us.
FAQ
You have questions? We've got answers!
Do you pick up guests from their hotels?
We provide a transfer service from hotels in the historic center within a 2 km radius of Piazza del Popolo. If your hotel is not in the historic center, we will ask you to meet us at a pickup point that is convenient for all. This is to avoid long wait times and car rides for all our guests.
Where do guests get dropped off?
The same logic as pick up applies. If you are staying in the historic centre within a 2 km radius of Piazza del Popolo we will drop you off at your hotel. If not, we will drop you off at a drop off point within this area.
Can the itinerary change?
The itinerary is subject to change only due to factors outside of our control like weather or availability. We strive to minimize any impact and will inform you of changes. Occasionally, we update itineraries to keep our tours exciting.