The great city of Rome was a bustling hub in ancient history, with goods and people arriving by sea. The ships that arrived to dock in Rome carried money and goods from all over the world, creating international trade and commerce. It was not an easy port to reach, however, with many ships getting lost in storms or running aground on the rocky coastlines of the Mediterranean Sea. Despite the treacherous journey, many of these ancient ships managed to dock and embark in Rome, making the city even more prosperous.
Ancient Rome was located on the Tiber River, which connected to the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west, the Adriatic Sea to the east, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. All of these waters provided ample access to Rome for international trade ships and merchants. The docks themselves were located within the city limits, just to the north of the Tiber River. There were two main ports both within the city: The Port of Ostia, and the Port of Portus, which were owned by the state and managed by a private company.
The Port of Ostia was the original port for Rome, and was the main port for grain and supplies. The Port of Portus was the main port for luxury goods, such as fabrics and spices. This port was also used for passenger ships, bringing people from far-off lands to the city of Rome, contributing to the diverse and vibrant culture of the city. Both ports had mooring areas and quays, allowing traders and merchants to easily unload and store their goods.
The ships that arrived at the ports of Rome varied greatly in size and shape. Greek, Egyptian, and African ships might arrive with luxurious silk or spices, while Phoenician ships carried supplies of timber or precious metals, and Roman ships carried grains and other food supplies. Each ship had to be strong enough to navigate the harsh Mediterranean Sea and withstand the strong currents, while also carrying all of their cargo safely and securely.
The docking process itself was often arduous. Many ships had to wait several days before the port authorities would allow them to dock and disembark. Once the ships had been declared safe and inspected, the crews had to pay various harbor fees and customs duties. These fees often included a duty on goods bought and sold, as well as port fees and taxes on the ship itself.
As technology improved in the Mediterranean region, dock facilities began to expand. Wooden jetties replaced the old quays and docks, and ships began to be able to dock directly into larger areas with more room to unload cargo and disembark passengers. These changes ultimately helped the city of Rome to become an even more prosperous center for international trade and commerce.
Safety
As with any port in the Ancient world, Rome was not immune from the threat of piracy or criminal activity. To ensure the safety of traders and merchants, the Roman Army and Navy both patrolled the waters to protect against any criminal or pirate activity. Fishermen were also active in the waters, as they provided food and supplies to the wealthy citizens of Rome and other nearby cities.
The legal system in place within the city was also strict and effective in deterring any criminal activity. It was common practice to punish any crime harshly, in an attempt to discourage any lawbreaking and illegal activity. This allowed traders and merchants to feel more secure while they were in port. In addition, foreign ships that docked in Rome were often treated with hospitality and respect, encouraging them to return to the city in the future.
The Roman navy was also responsible for providing protection to traders and merchants travelling to the city. Their powerful ships were regularly patrolling the waters around the city and enforcing a strict naval code of conduct. This ensured that foreign ships were safe from pirate raids and allowed the city of Rome to enjoy its fruitful trade relations with distant lands.
Installation of Infrastructure
While the two main ports were in place, many additions were made to the harbor to accommodate the increased traffic of merchant ships from around the world. Breakwaters were built along the coast, providing protection from the open sea and aiding ships in their navigation to the ports. Harbor walls and docks were also built to allow ships to dock more safely, and lighthouses and beacons were placed along the coastline to help with navigation.
Various harbors along the nearby coast of the Mediterranean were also improved and developed. This included small fishing villages where the locally sourced fish and seafood provided a source of income and sustenance for the citizens of Rome. In addition, the wealthy elite of Rome would often have villas built along the coast, as they sought to enjoy the pleasures of the sea in tropical climates.
The infrastructure of the port itself also had to be improved if it was to handle the amount of cargo and passengers arriving from around the world. Warehouses and stores were built, as well as loading areas for the disembarking and embarking of goods and people. Furthermore, customs areas and financial offices were erected to ensure that the system ran smoothly and that all fees and taxes owed were paid on time and in full.
Religion & Customs
Religious practices were important in the running of the port, with temples and shrines to the gods placed along the city docks and within the harbor walls. Offerings were often made to these gods, in the hope that the gods would keep the traders and merchants safe during their travels. This religious sentiment was seen in the many festivals held within the port, at which worshippers could offer prayer and thanks to the gods.
In addition to religion, customs and culture were also important to the functioning of the ports. All ships had to pay customs duties and follow customs protocols when they docked in Rome. This included the traditional “libatio” ceremony wherein the captain of the ships had to pour wine on the ground as an offering to the gods. This customs symbolically represented a safe journey for the crew and their cargo, and rites of passage were also offered to crews to signify their arrival in the city.
It was also customary for each ship entering the port to be welcomed with a special flag, representing their homeland and their success in navigating the treacherous seas. In addition to the flags, imported goods were also frequently placed on display in the port, giving a sense of pride and prosperity to the citizens of the city.
Technology Utilized
The technology available to the Roman traders and merchants was sophisticated for the period. Most notably were the navigation systems. Ships were equipped with sophisticated navigation tools to help crews steer clear of rocky coastlines and strong currents. These navigation tools were based on the stars and the ocean tides, and provided sailors with essential data for a safe journey.
In addition to navigation, techniques such as the use of maps and the deployment of scouting vessels helped ships to traverse the Mediterranean. Maps were essential for guiding the captains and crews on a safe path, and scouting vessels could be sent ahead to provide early warning of potential dangers. This technology significantly decreased the dangers of sailing in the ancient world, allowing ships to arriver safely to the port of Rome.
Closing
The ships which arrived in Rome played an integral role in the growth and flourishing of the city. They brought supplies and luxuries from around the world and enabled conversation and commerce between distant civilizations. They were able to do this due to the improved infrastructure and excellent technology available, as well as strict customs and religious practices. Despite the dangers of navigating in the Mediterranean, the ancient ships managed to dock in Rome, creating an affluent and prosperous city.
