Isola Sacra - South-east part - The "Fiume morto"

Several archaeological remains were found in the south-east part of the Isola Sacra, in the "Trastevere" of Ostia, to the north of the Tiber. They are on the inside of what was once a sharp bend of the river, to the north-east of the city centre, and to the north-west of the mediaeval village. This bend was cut off by a flood in 1557, after which it was gradually filled up with earth, becoming a swamp at first. It is now known as the Fiume morto (Dead river).

Map of the area of the Fiume morto. Image: Germoni et al. 2021, fig. 30.

In 1547, ten years before the Tiber changed its course, a map was made which shows the Isola with the old branch of the river.

A map of the Isola Sacra, seen from the west, from 1547, by Eufrosino della Volpaia.

The excavations on the inside of the meander that was cut off were unfortunately documented and published inadequately.

Plan of the Trastevere area. Image: Pellegrino-Olivanti-Panariti 1995, fig. 1.
A: Baths - B: Horrea "Aldobrandini" - C: huge circular structure seen on aerial photos - D: walls seen on aerial photos - E: "Republican mole".