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Exploring the Hidden Daily Life of Emperor Hadrian: Unveiling Roman Fragments in Ostia Antica

Step into the past with our journey to Ostia Antica, where fragments of marble slabs reveal the hidden moments of Emperor Hadrian's reign. Join us as we examine the fasti ostienses, a unique calendar of ancient Rome, shedding light on Hadrian's deeds and legacy.

By Nick Nutter on 2023-08-22 | Last Updated 2024-02-13 | Titbits and News from the Mare Nostrum

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Ostia Antica

In the heart of Italy, close to the eternal city of Rome, lies a treasure trove of history waiting to be discovered. Ostia Antica, once the port for ancient Rome, now an archaeological park steeped in the remnants of a bygone era, has once again offered up its secrets to the world. This time, the spotlight shines on none other than the enigmatic Roman Emperor Hadrian, whose reign shaped the very foundations of the ancient world.

Amidst the ruins of Ostia Antica, a team of passionate archaeologists from the University of Catania and the Polytechnic University of Bari embarked on a journey back in time. Their quest? To uncover fragments of marble slabs, etched with the echoes of Emperor Hadrian's daily life. These fragments, known as fasti ostienses, are a unique form of calendar that chronicles the pivotal moments involving emperors and dignitaries in ancient Rome.

New fasti ostienses

The discovery itself was a tantalizing puzzle coming together. Two fragments emerged from the depths of history, each whispering tales of the past. Experts marveled at how one piece seamlessly fit with another, like a missing piece of a grand mosaic. The first fragment, hailing from the year AD 128, gave us a window into January 10th, when Hadrian was bestowed with the title "pater patriae" – the father of his country. On that day, the emperor celebrated by bestowing a generous donation upon his people, a gesture that spoke volumes about his rule.

But the revelations didn't stop there. Another date, April 11th of the same year, offered insight into Hadrian's travels to Africa and his triumphant return to Rome in the months that followed. And then, an intriguing clue emerged – a mention of a building consecration. Could it be the illustrious Pantheon, that architectural marvel that still stands today? Or perhaps the Temple of Venus and Roma? The inscription hinted at August 11th, marking his 11th year as emperor, a testament to a reign that left an indelible mark on history.

These fragments weren't just ancient inscriptions; they were windows into the heart and mind of a ruler who shaped an empire. The forum of Porta Marina, once a bustling hub of activity, yielded its secrets to the dedicated team. It was here, amidst the weathered columns, that the fasti ostienses were engraved, immortalizing the history they bore witness to.

Alessandro D’Alessio, the visionary director of the archaeological park, couldn't contain his excitement. He saw this "extraordinary discovery" as a bridge connecting us to Hadrian's world, a chance to comprehend the structures he raised in Rome and the legacy he left behind. With each fragment, the story of ancient Ostia became clearer, a story interwoven with the threads of the past.

Even Italy's Culture Minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, joined in the chorus of appreciation. He noted that these excavations had not only enriched our understanding of Ostia and Rome but also provided a deeper insight into the lives of the people who walked those cobblestone streets, centuries ago.

This isn't the first time fasti ostienses have graced Ostia Antica with their presence. In the midst of the 20th century, between 1940 and 1941, and then again from 1969 to 1972, these fragments unveiled themselves to the world. One of them, much like an old friend, connected with the recently uncovered piece, forming a comprehensive chronicle of the years AD 126-128. Some of these fragments, stretching across the years AD 49 to AD 175, find their home in the hallowed halls of the Vatican Museums, a testament to their historical significance.

As you explore Ostia Antica today, less than 19 miles from the heart of Rome, you'll find not just ruins, but remnants of a world that once thrived. A theater where laughter and drama once echoed, the remains of Roman baths where citizens found respite, schools that nurtured young minds, temples that held the devotion of the faithful, and even a synagogue that whispered of diversity.

Ostia Antica's story is a symphony of ages, a tapestry woven from the lives of those who walked its streets. And now, with these newfound fragments, the narrative of Emperor Hadrian – his triumphs, his contributions, and his connection to this ancient city – has been woven a little more intricately into the grand design of history.