In Roman times, the river Ebro was navigable from Dertosa (Tortosa), where there was a mixed maritime and fluvial port , to Vareia (the current Logroño), and along its banks developed an intense trade that favored the emergence of river ports in several cities. Of these, Caesaraugusta was the main redistribution enclave in the centre of the valley, both for goods from the interior (wheat, wood, iron, skins, linen, etc.) and from the coast (wine, salted fish, ceramics, marble, jewellery, etc.).

Located in the northeast corner of the forum, the port facilities extended along the right bank of the river, taking advantage of the calm character of the waters in this area. These facilities had a large building, probably intended for storage functions among others, which was opened to the river by a beautiful façade of arches. From this arcade, access was gained to a vestibule which, through a staircase, connected the port installations with the forum enclosure.