Mayfair Games is releasing Stefan Rishaus' Ostia: The Harbor of Rome (MSRP $25) board game in early March.  In Ostia players take on the roles of Roman merchants and must bid on resources from incoming ships, sell some of their goods to other players, and donate the rest to the Senate in an attempt to become the 'favorite' of the Senate.  The needs of the Senate change from year to year, and players must figure out the best time to provide goods to the Senate, but players must also sell goods at a profit in order to get the income necessary to obtain more resources.

Ostia: The Harbor of Rome is set in the first century A.D. and designed for 3 to five players (ages 12 an up). It generally takes about 60-75 minutes to play.  The deluxe full color board game includes five player boards, 72 cards, 61 wooden chips, 20 wooden storehouses, money, and a rulebook.