Marker Logo
THE HISTORICAL
MARKER DATABASE
“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
Ostia Antica in Cittΰ metropolitana di Roma Capitale, Latium, Rome, Italy — Central Italy (Tyrrhenian Coast)
 

Grandi Horrea
⎯⎯⎯
The Great Warehouse

(Reg. II. Is. IX, 7)

 
 
Grandi Horrea Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 5, 2025
1. Grandi Horrea Marker
Inscription. Il piω grande edificio commerciale ostiense θ datato tradizionalmente all'etΰ dell'imperatore Claudio (41-54 d.C.), anche se recenti studi ne hanno proposto un primo impianto nel I secolo a.C. Era caratterizzato da un cortile porticato con colonne di tufo (B), intorno al quale su tre lati erano disposte le cellae (ambienti per lo stoccaggio) (C). Fu completamente ristrutturato tra la fine del II e gli inizi del III secolo d.C., quando furono rifatte le murature in laterizi, furono aggiunte due file parallele di cellae al centro del cortile e fu costruito il primo piano. In quest'epoca i pavimenti di tutte le cellae vennero rialzati mediante suspensurae (pilastrini di mattoni), che fungevano da intercapedini per isolare dall'umiditΰ il grano immagazzinato.

Ostia's largest commercial building is traditionally dated to the period of the emperor Claudius (AD 41-54), though recent studies have proposed an initial date in the 1st century BC. It had a porticoed courtyard with tufa columns (B), around which the cellae (storage rooms) (C) were arranged on three sides. It was completely rebuilt between the late 2nd century and the early 3rd century AD, when the brick walls were renovated, two parallel rows of cellae were added in the centre of the courtyard and the second storey was built.
Paid Advertisement
Click or scan to see
this page online
At this time, the floors of all the
cellae were raised using suspensurae (little brick pillars), thus creating a space that insulated the grain stored here from damp.
 
Erected by Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: AgricultureAnthropology & ArchaeologyArchitectureIndustry & Commerce.
 
Location. 41° 45.302′ N, 12° 17.357′ E. Marker is in Ostia Antica, Lazio (Latium, Rome), in Cittΰ metropolitana di Roma Capitale. It is on Viale degli Scavi. The marker is in 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 Byzantine Empire and specifically also the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Molino del Silvano / The Mill of Silvanus (a few steps from this marker); Casa di Diana / The House of Diana (within shouting distance of this marker); Thermopolium di Via di Diana (within shouting distance of this marker); Capitolium (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Latrine Presso le Terme del Foro / Toilets near the Baths of the Forum (about 120 meters away); Caseggiato dei Doli / The Dolia Building (about
The warehouse's ruins image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 5, 2025
2. The warehouse's ruins
120 meters away); Mensola della Sinagoga / Synagogue Corbel (about 120 meters away); L'Area Centrale e i Complessi di Rappresentanza / The Central Area and the Official Complexes (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ostia Antica.
 
Also see . . .  Grandi Horrea.
Excerpt: "The poor state of preservation of the Great Warehouse is in sharp contrast with its importance. Many of the large tufa blocks from the outer west and east wall were reused in the Casone del Sale - the present museum - built in the second half of the 16th century. Two lime-kilns were found in the building. The east facade was unearthed by Rodolfo Lanciani in 1885-1886, most of the building was excavated by Guido Calza at the end of the First World War."
(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 136 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos:   1, 2. submitted on August 11, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
m=281383

CeraNet Cloud Computing sponsors the Historical Marker Database.
This website earns income from purchases you make after using our links to Amazon.com. We appreciate your support.
Paid Advertisement
Jun. 6, 2026