PER UN’IPOTESI DI IDENTIFICAZIONE DEL FORO DI AURELIANO E DEL PRAETORIUM DI OSTIA. PRIME OSSERVAZIONI A PARTIRE DALLE INDAGINI GEOFISICHE

Abstract

This research, focused on the complex east of the Baths of the Porta Marina, is part of a research project on
the coastal area of Ostia carried out by the Centre Camille Jullian, CEREGE and MAP-CNRS in collaboration
with the Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica.
The integrated study of geophysical prospections, satellite images and topography allowed to define the
characteristics of a large complex covering an area of approx. 15,000 m².
In particular, the presence of a large open area, flanked by a building with a basilical plan, makes it possible
to recognize the structures of a forum. The location at short distance from the ancient coastline allows to
identify the “Aurelian’s forum” and the praetorium known from the Historia Augusta.