Diet at the docks: Living and dying at the port of ancient Rome
(PHYSorg.com Archaeology & Fossils)

Portus Romae was established in the middle of the first century AD and for well over 400 years was Rome`s gateway to the Mediterranean. The port played a key role in funnelling imports-e.g. foodstuffs, wild animals, marble and luxury goods-from across the Mediterranean and beyond to the citizens of Rome and was vital to the pre-eminence of the city in the Roman Mediterranean.