Neighbourhoods by the Tiber: Life at Two Harbours in Rome

Abstract

This study looks at two locations in Rome, at Ripetta and Pietra Papa, that could function as a departure for a discussion about harbour neighbourhoods in the city. Since we lack complete preserved ancient urban districts in Rome, as opposed to Pompeii or Ostia, this study will have to combine material from two ancient harbours at Rome, complemented by information about harbour life in early modern Rome. Specific forms of urban neighbourhoods probably evolved in harbours, which were characterised by the interaction between permanent and temporary residents. Neigh- bourhoods can be seen as socio-spatial phenomena that go beyond material culture. Studying them may challenge the material focus of archaeology by forcing us to look specifically at intangible social relations and human activities that do not necessarily leave any physical traces. This contribution uses material from different periods to highlight the possibility of port functions and neighbourhood arrangements that are not visible in the archaeological or textual material from ancient Rome. It also discusses trajectories of change in the harbours in the short term (days), midterm (seasons) and long term (centuries).