Archaeologists have found what are
believed to be the remains of the ancient Theatre of Nero on the
west bank of the River Tiber near the Vatican.
Its whereabouts had been a mystery until now.
The remains came to light during excavations in the courtyard of
Palazzo della Rovere, today the headquarters Equestrian Order of
the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
They are said to include parts of the semi-circular cavea,
marble columns, gold-leaf stucco decorations and rooms thought
to have been used as storage areas for costumes and stage sets
in the theatre built by the Emperor Nero, who reigned from AD 54
until his death in AD 68.
"This is an exceptionally important discovery that testifies to
the place where Nero rehearsed his poetry and singing
performances, documented in ancient sources but never
discovered," said Rome Special Superintendent Daniela Porro.
The excavations, which began in 2020, have already brought to
light remains of the Horti di Agrippina, where the Emperor
Caligula had a large circus built for horse racing, and traces
of productive and pilgrimage activities during the Middle Ages.
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