Earth observations during STS-60 mission.

STS060-90-028 (3-11 Feb 1994) --- This view is centered over Rome and covers approximately 3,600 square miles. Anzio, the site of the January 22, 1944, Allied landing in Central Italy, is on the coast at the lower left. The coastal protuberance near the center is Ostia. This Roman Empire port on the Tiber River silted in and was covered over. It is now an archeological site and a tourist attraction. Southeast of the mouth of the Tiber is the Pontine Marsh. These marshlands were drained in the 1930's and have been converted to farmland. Volcanism formed the land in the region. It is evidenced in the circular caldera lakes visible. Castel Gandolfo, part of the Papal State, is on Lake Albano toward the bottom of the frame. Rome was founded during the Bronze Age on a river crossing. The road from the coast along the river was the main route for the early salt trade. The city became the capital of modern Italy in 1861. It has undergone explosive growth since World War II and now has a population of over three million people. Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) Airport, the main international airport, is visible near the coast north of the Tiber River.