It boggles the mind. Since 311 BC, Rome has had water delivered via aqueduct from distant sources to supply its inhabitants. It was shared with Ostia Antica, a port city west of Rome at the mouth of the Tiber river. Ostia Antica was a thriving community as early as the second century BC but especially from the 3rd through the 5th century AD losing its importance with the fall of the Roman Empire. It was flooded by the Tiber river in the 16th century and what you see in this photo was completely buried under sediment. The walls of this bath would have been at least two stories higher with hot baths, warm and cold baths. Pictured here is one of the many tiled baths of Neptune that Ostia Antica enjoyed dating back to 138 BC.
Nikon D610, 1/1500 at f/19, ISO 3200, 17mm (17-35mm) - 0795
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