Ostia Antica skilled fisherman: Hanno Marinus from Carthage

Ostia Antica skilled fisherman: Hanno Marinus from Carthage

In the bustling port city of Ostia Antica, where the mighty Tiber River meets the sea, lives Hanno Marinus, a fisherman of Carthaginian descent. Born in Carthage, Hanno’s lineage ties him to a proud history of sailors and traders who once navigated the Mediterranean with unrivaled skill. Though Carthage fell to Rome centuries ago, Hanno carries the pride of his people in his heart, often recounting tales of Hannibal’s bravery and his ancestors’ resilience to his children.

Hanno’s life is deeply rooted in Ostia Antica, the vital harbor that feeds Rome’s insatiable appetite for goods and resources. He met his wife, Cornelia, a devout worshipper of Mithras, in the bustling marketplace of Ostia. Together, they raise their five children: three sons, who eagerly learn their father’s trade, and two daughters, who help their mother manage the household and sell fish in the market. Despite their differing cultural backgrounds, their family thrives amidst the diversity of Ostia’s thriving port community.

A typical day for Hanno begins before dawn. He rises, sharpens his nets, and walks to the docks with his eldest son, Marcellus. By the time the first light breaks over the horizon, their small wooden boat is already cutting through the waves, guided by Hanno’s seasoned hands. Fishing in the waters near Ostia Antica is challenging; the tides are strong, and competition is fierce. Hanno relies on his experience and a touch of Carthaginian ingenuity passed down through generations.

By midday, Hanno and Marcellus return to the port, their boat heavy with the morning’s catch. Cornelia meets them with their daughters, and together they prepare the fish for sale. In the shadow of Ostia’s grand warehouses, the family sells their goods to merchants and locals alike, their voices mingling with the cacophony of the busy harbor.

As evening falls, Hanno finds solace in recounting stories of Carthage’s golden age, ensuring his children never forget their heritage, even as they live and grow in the heart of the Roman Empire. For Hanno, life in Ostia Antica is a delicate balance between honoring the past and embracing the present—a life both challenging and fulfilling.

You might discover more about the tale of Hanno by booking our: “Ostia Antica walking tour“