The in-classroom phase of the “Iter Ostiense” project has successfully come to an end. The initiative is an innovative educational pathway designed to introduce primary school pupils to the knowledge and appreciation of the historical and archaeological heritage of Ostia Antica.
Developed in collaboration with the Ostia Antica Archaeological Park and DMO H2O Tevere Mare, the project adopts a playful and educational approach that combines digital technologies, storytelling and gamification, promoting experiential and inclusive learning.
During the classroom activities, students took part in an interactive virtual tour of key locations of the ancient port city – such as the Thermopolium, the Insulae and the Baths of Neptune – guided by the historical character Aulus Egrilius Magnus, a young inhabitant of ancient Ostia. Through play-based exploration, pupils reconstructed a playful tourist guide, developing historical, digital and transversal skills.
The classroom phase represented a crucial preparatory step for the on-site visits, which are being already carried out at the Ostia Antica Archaeological Park, where students are able to recognise and further explore in person the places experienced in virtual form, completing the educational journey.
Iter Ostiense stands out for its strong focus on inclusion, thanks to the use of accessible tools – such as high-readability fonts and audio content – specifically designed to support students with learning difficulties. At the same time, the project strengthens the relationship between schools, local communities and cultural heritage.
