4
Portus
Gray overhead cleared to bright winter sunlight as Sabinus directed his boat toward the harbor of Portus. They entered from a small canal from the Tiber river rather than from the ocean like the big transport ships. The great octagon of protected water, designed by Claudius and completed by Trajan, sparkled as the water rippled under the sun. However much Ostia was a neglected port, the town of Portus and the harbor thrived. Argolicus lifted his palm to shade his eyes.
Ships loading and unloading cargo lined the eight straight sides of the harbor, designed to service the maximum number of ships. Behind the quay, rectangular lines of huge warehouses lined the harbor on every side and beyond. Stevedores scrambled and hauled boxes of fabric and clothing, great amphorae of oil, sac
