Ostia Antica in Cittΰ metropolitana di Roma Capitale, Latium, Rome, Italy — Central Italy (Tyrrhenian Coast)
Fullonica su Via degli Augustali
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Fullery on the Road of the Augustales
La fullonica (tintoria e lavanderia di tessuti) fu costruita agli inizi del II secolo d.C. trasformando un'abitazione di epoca precedente. Era costituita da un vasto ambiente con copertura retta da pilastri, in cui erano alloggiate quattro grandi vasche collegate tra loro e foderate in cocciopesto, un rivestimento con funzione impermeabilizzante. Nel III secolo d.C. furono aggiunti 35 recipienti in terracotta di forma circolare, separati da muretti in laterizi su cui si ap-poggiavano gli operai durante le operazioni di pigia-tura dei tessuti. Questi venivano lavati con varie so-stanze, tra cui la soda naturale e l'urina, contenente ammoniaca, e venivano stesi ad asciugare su travi-celli, come indica la presenza di incavi sui fianchi dei pilastri.
The fullonica (fullery) was built in the early 2nd century AD by converting a house of an earlier period. It consisted of a huge room with a roof supported by pillars, hosting four large basins connected to one another and lined with cocciopesto, a coating that served to waterproof them. In the 3rd century AD, 35 circular recipients in terracotta were added, separated by low brick walls against which the workers leant as they pressed the textiles with their feet. The fabrics were washed with a variety of substances, including natural soda and urine, which contains ammonia, and were hung out to dry on slender beams, as suggested by the presence of cavities in the sides of the pillars.
Erected by Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 100 CE.
Location. 41° 45.288′ N, 12° 17.47′ E. Marker is in Ostia Antica, Lazio (Latium, Rome), in Cittΰ metropolitana di Roma Capitale. It can be reached from Viale degli Scavi. The marker is at Ostia Antica Archaeological Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ostia Antica, Lazio 00119, Italy. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, the Schengen Area, a coastal Mediterranean country, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mitreo di Felicissimo / Mithraeum of Felicissimus (within shouting distance of this marker); Tempio Collegiale dei Fabri Tignuarii / Temple of the Builders Guild (within shouting distance of this marker); Terme del Nuotatore / Swimmers' Baths (within shouting distance of this marker); Quattro Tempietti / Four Small Temples (within shouting distance of this marker); Piazzale delle Corporazioni / Square of the Corporations (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); In Memoriam Sanctae Monnicae / In Memory of Saint Monica (about 120 meters away); The Martyrs of Ostia Tiberina (about 150 meters away); Ninfei Ai Lati del Teatro e c.d. Oratorio Cristiano / Nymphaeums and the Christian Oratorio (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ostia Antica.
Regarding Fullonica su Via degli Augustali / Fullery on the Road of the Augustales. A fullery is the English word for the ancient Roman workshops where cloth was cleaned, treated and prepared for use.
Also see . . . The Fulleries.
Excerpt: "A number of tiny and very large fulleries has been found in Ostia, workshops where clothes were cleaned, which the (wealthier) Romans apparently did not do at home."(Submitted on August 11, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 95 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 11, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.


