Retire Early Lifestyle
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In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

The Port of Anzio, Italy

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

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Seaports in any country are essential.

Among many other things, they serve as gateways for trade. Connected to highways, railroads or other transportation infrastructures, the product received through ports are able to be distributed elsewhere to the internal part of the country.

They can also serve as military protection sites to prevent invasions, smuggling or illegal activities.

The Port of Anzio is all of this, and her history is fascinating.

Enjoy our pictorial below.

The port of Anzio and surrounding area

The history of the port of Anzio dates back to ancient times and was a place of strategic importance for various civilizations over the centuries.

Even before the Romans conquered this area in the 4th century BC, it was settled by an indigenous people called the Volsci. They called this place Antium and it was a significant and prosperous port.

The Romans took it to the next level, making Antium (now Anzio) a strategic naval base and a center for maritime trade. It wasn't far from Rome and the goods traded at this port supplied the Romans.

Fishing boats in the harbor

One of the primary functions of this port was as an essential grain supply center for the city of Rome.

Anzio and the surrounding area proved to be fertile making it a vital source of grain production. This port was fundamental in ensuring a stable food supply for the growing city.

A map of the ancient port of Antium, now Anzio

This is how the port looked 2,000 years ago, with the sea being 25 meters farther inland

The Romans were a powerful nation and established a naval station here, maintaining a strong presence in the Tyrrhenian Sea. This gave them an advantage to control sea routes and safeguard against piracy and threats from rival powers.

The legend of Anzio's origin

According to legend, the origin of Anzio (ancient Antium) is connected to the Trojan hero Aeneas, as described in Virgil's epic poem, the "Aeneid."

The goddess Venus was his mother.

After the fall of Troy, Aeneas fled the city, carrying his father on his back and leading a group of Trojan refugees.

Guided by the gods, he set out on a long and perilous journey across the Mediterranean Sea in search of a new homeland, as foretold by the prophecy.

 After numerous challenges and adventures during their journey, they eventually arrived at the shores of Italy, where they sought to establish a new settlement.

The legend of Aeneas and the founding of Antium became an essential part of Roman mythology and identity. The Roman people believed that they were descendants of Aeneas, and this legend  shaped their sense of history and connection to the ancient world.

It linked the early Romans to the powerful and revered city of Troy, providing them with a prestigious origin myth.

A quote from Roman Philosopher Seneca

In the harbor at Anzio we found many stones like these with Latin quotes carved into them. This one is a quote from Seneca saying: You should change your spirit not the weather, meaning we should focus on changing ourselves not anyone or anything outside of us.

Seneca was a Roman philosopher, statesman, dramatist, and famous writer of his time.

Another carved stone at the harbor

This stone has a visage of Roman Emperor Nero and his full name inscribed.

The Romans were a smart and strategic people and they soon made Antium/Anzio a thriving commercial port, handling trade between Rome and other regions within the Roman Empire, and with other Mediterranean civilizations.

Merchants from various parts of the empire would bring goods to the port for export, such as wine, olive oil, textiles, and pottery. The port also served as an entry point for luxury goods and exotic products from distant lands.

A closer look at the fishermen's gear

During Roman times, this port was also a place for the construction and repair of ships and naval vessels.

 The Roman Emperor Nero had a magnificient seaside villa built here too. The Villa of Nero was a sprawling complex that featured luxurious amenities and splendid gardens. It served as a retreat for Nero and was known for its opulence and extravagance.

A look from the port back to a section of town

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, during the Middle Ages the area was ruled by various feudal lords and families.

Then, during World War II, the port of Anzio played a crucial role in the Allied forces' military strategy.

The Anzio landings were met with fierce resistance from German forces, leading to a prolonged and intense battle known as the Battle of Anzio. The port of Anzio became a key supply route for the Allied forces, but in the end there was terrible loss of life on all sides.

The Allies eventually succeeded in expanding their beachhead and pushing inland, which played a critical role in the liberation of Rome in June 1944. Today that holiday is called Liberation Day.

A panoramic view of the harbor and town of Anzio

Today, the port of Anzio remains an important harbor and maritime facility in the region of Italy.

It serves as a commercial port for the local fishing industry and a hub for passenger ferries connecting Anzio to the Pontine Islands.

The port area is popular among tourists for its picturesque waterfront, seafood restaurants, and historical landmarks related to the events of World War II.

Fisherman selling their morning catch

Here you can see a line up of small craft harbor as well as sea view restaurants and other pastel painted buildings.

During weekends the town becomes jam-packed with tourists, many of them from Rome on a day trip.

A different view from further down the harbor

This view is from further down the harbor back into the modern day city of Anzio.

For its position on the coast of Italy, being so close to Rome (less than an hour's drive) and relatively close to Sicily, Malta and Northern Africa, this port has a strategic location recognized in both ancient and in modern times.

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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