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Ostia Antica constituted the main commercial port of Rome during the time of the Republic. In the 4th century, with the arrival of the slope of the trade, also arrived the first Christians, who soon erected a small church. In the following centuries Ostia knew a period of strong growth and many public and private buildings were erected in the city, including the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (4th century), one of the four papal basilicas in Rome, which was built to welcome pilgrims traveling to Rome to visit the tomb of the Apostle Paul.
The decline of Ostia began in the 9th century, when Saracen pirates began to attack the city. In 849 they succeeded in sacking it and burning most of the buildings. The inhabitants took refuge inside the city walls, which were reinforced in later centuries. Nevertheless, the Saracens continued to attack and in 899 they succeeded in conquering the city once again. This time they destroyed it completely, leaving only a few ruins.
Ostia was then abandoned for centuries, until it was rediscovered by archaeologists in the 16th century. Since then, many excavations have been carried out and much of the ancient city has been brought to light. Today, Ostia Antica is a major archaeological site and a popular tourist destination.
