Antium

Antium was an ancient city in Latium on the Tyrrhenian coast of central Italy, located near the modern towns of Anzio and Nettuno in Lazio. It originated as a Volscian settlement and grew into an important port and commercial center south of Rome, frequently interacting with the early Roman state. The site was strategically valuable for maritime trade and military movement along the coast.

In the late Republic, Antium attained notable prominence as the residence and estate of Mark Antony, a crucial ally and rival of Octavian (Augustus). Antony maintained a large villa there, and the area became a political and cultural hub. Following his defeat at Actium in 31 BCE, Octavian confiscated Antony’s properties, including those at Antium. The city continued into the early Empire but declined in late antiquity as trade shifted and defenses weakened.

Today the ancient site corresponds to the coast around the modern towns of Anzio and Nettuno. Archaeological remains include portions of city walls, foundations of public buildings such as baths and possibly a theater, and inscriptions referencing the Antii, the Latin tribe associated with the city. The harbor area is tied to the ancient port known as Portus Antii. Antium remains of interest for studies of Roman port cities and late-Republic history.