The Harbors of Ostia and Caesaria Maritima

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how both the Portus Augusti and Sebastos had utilized the technique of using "pozzolana", concrete which hardens under water. Sebastos was destroyed in 130 during a violent earthquake; Ostia fell to invaders in late antiquity. It discusses that, although both harbors had the same general shape, Sebastos was a much better built port. The use of "pozzolana" enabled Herod to build huge warehouses on top of the mole, while Claudius's moles only served as moles. Sebastos offered refuge from harsh conditions in the ocean; the Portus Augusti did not always succeed in doing so.

From the Paper:

"Although harbor archaeology has not attracted the majority of tourists as an ancient site, it still tells fascinating stories about the Romans' ingenuity in engineering. The port at Ostia, the Portus Augusti, and Sebastos, the harbor at Caesarea Maritima, stand as proof. The engineers overcame several challenges to building these ports by using a unique construction technique the use of "pozzolana," a concrete that can harden under water."

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