The Tiber River is a major symbol of ancient Rome, its historical importance and influence connecting with many of the city’s most famous historical landmarks. From the time of the Roman Republic to the reign of the Roman Empire, the Tiber River ran through the core of the city.
In the origins of pre-Republican Rome, the Tiber provided a substantial benefit to the people in the form of a harbor. A large part of Rome’s early economy was based around using the river to import and export goods and this activity played a huge role in the city’s development. Later, during the rule of the Roman Empire, the Tiber was so important that it was proclaimed a navigable river under the jurisdiction of the state.
Located in the Lazio region of Italy, the Tiber is actually the third longest river in the country and is around 250km long. Morphologically, it is unique in that it is the only river in Europe to flow from west to east – all other rivers mostly flow in a north-south direction.
From its source in the Apennine Mountains, where it has its origins close to the famous city of Terni, the river travels through Umbria, Lazio and the city of Rome itself before eventually flowing into the Tyrrhenian Sea – although for many, the journey of the Tiber only begins in Rome.
The Tiber appears in the foundation story of Rome, Romulus and Remus, when the two brothers, who had been thrown into the river by their evil uncle, were petted on the riverbanks by a she-wolf, and were found by a shepherd. This wonderful story provided the two brothers with a fresh beginning and established Rome’s defining ethos – that even people of the humblest background can be great.
A major tributary of the Tiber, the Aniene River, contributed a substantial amount of freshwater to the river. During Ancient Rome, the Aniene was used by many of the nobility to construct impressive villas and sprawling gardens, giving the city an added elegance.
Also during this time, the Tiber was used to transport dedicated ships carrying numerous goods from other parts of Italy to the bustling markets of Rome. Emptying and stopping at little ports and harbors, the river was always full of vitality, boats, and landmarks.
Symbolic importance
The Tiber is a fundamental natural feature in the city of Rome and was an essential part of the city’s evolution. Many of the city’s deciding events took place along its banks and it even became an object of veneration in Roman religion. It was important for providing many aspects of everyday life to the people of Rome and even featured in the founding story of the city. To this day, the river provides a unique and significant element to the city’s atmosphere.
Tiber Island
Tiber Island was once a marshy stork nest, but by the late 3rd century BC, it had transformed into a tiny Roman fortress. This small island, nestled in the middle of the Tiber, was the result of a major engineering feat, with the stretching of two large moles joining the two riverbanks. The island acted as a protective base for troops and was connected with the mainland by two bridges for communication.
The island was extremely important for the city, as it was surrounded by the majestic Tiber on either side, creating natural protection from enemies. It is believed that it was here where Vesta, the goddess of the hearth, and Portunus, the god of harbors and ports, were worshiped.
The little island was also home to a temple dedicated to the goddess of wisdom, Minerva, as well as to a hospital and some other monuments. It also served as a refuge during floods, and its strategic location gave it real significance to the Roman population.
River Infrastructure
During the Roman Republic period, the Tiber was considered to be a major navigable commercial route and the Roman Senate was taking steps to improve river infrastructure. An executive created the first Roman channel, known as the Fossa Traiana, which connected the harbor of Ostia with the sea of Rome to the Tiber. This channel enabled the river to be used for commercial traffic and made the transportation of both citizens and goods much easier.
By improving the infrastructure and building bridges, the connection of the city with the first part of the river had significantly changed by the middle of the 1st century AD. In 63 AD Augustus had built the first permanent bridge across the river, Pons Fabricius, and Trajan later erected a further two bridges over the Tiber.
The Claudian aqueduct, built near the beginning of the 1st Century BC, gathered waters of the Tiber and Anio rivers and supplied the thirsty city of Rome with pure, fresh water. Appian road crossed the river at a place called Sublicius bridge, which was the only bridge over the Tiber at the time built from wooden piles, rocks, and brushwood.
Field sports
Ancient Romans loved hunting and field sports, and for them the Tiber and its distinct landscapes provide ideal locations for them to indulge in leisure activities. Popular activities included fishing, hunting predatory animals, and fishing for aquatic birds.
As a result, a new form of hunting game with hunting dogs, known as Venery, was developed along the Tiber. Located just outside of Rome, Mugilla became the ultimate destination for Roman citizens and nobles who enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere of the banks of the Tiber and its rich wildlife.
Not far from Rome, the so-called Giogo della Bocca di Leone, or “Lion’s mouth”, was one of the most important locations for Venery. The rich vegetation, marshy and humid areas, and abounding of birds, provided a perfect hunting ground.
Modern-Day Recreation
Today, along and around the Tiber, you can still find some reminders of its historic importance. The Tiber retains its importance to the local population and continues to be an important element of life in Rome and the broader region.
Although it is no longer used for trading, it is still an essential part of Roman life, providing a place for leisure activities such as boating, fishing and picnic. It is also very popular among Romans for romantic walks with breathtaking views, both during the day and night.
The Tiber River is also increasingly being used for events and other forms of entertainment, such as to host live concerts on its banks. In the summer months, the river also becomes a favorite destination for locals to escape from the heat and the daily hustle and bustle of the city.
Environmental Impact
Over the centuries, the Tiber River has had its share of adverse developments, too. During the 19th century, industrial use of the river increased and pollution subsequently became an issue. As factories began dumping waste, the river became drastically polluted and the wildlife was decimated.
The city is still trying to address the increasing levels of pollution, though progress is slow. For example, a significant cleanup effort of the Tiber River was carried out during a project that took place in 2008, yet both the government and the citizens of Rome still continue to struggle with the problem.
Sculptures
The famous Ponte Sisto bridge, the replica of an ancient bridge that runs over the Tiber and connects the Trastevere district with the city center of Rome, is home to some of the most impressive sculptures created by Italian sculptor Arrigo Minerbi.
There are also some incredibly impressive statues that line the riverbanks, including Fausto Melotti’s “Sfinge”, Arrigo Minerbi’s “Fenice” and “Vulcano”, and the “Rebirth” statue. These sculptures give a sense of tranquility and reflect the grandiosity of the river.
Conclusion
In summary, the Tiber River has been woven into the historical fabric of Rome for centuries. Its strategic importance and its symbolic power have rightly earned it the respect of the citizens of Rome and the tourists who flock to the city’s beautiful riverbanks. In the modern age, the Tiber continues to be an important part of Roman culture, providing locals and visitors with a quiet getaway and a chance to enjoy the riverside views.
