'Exceptional finds' found inside
The theater of the ancient Roman emperor Nero, thought to be lost, has been found on the grounds of a modern hotel under construction in Rome. Archaeologists cannot get enough of the «exceptional finds» in a place, the existence of which was previously known only from mentions in ancient texts.
The ruins of the imperial theater of Nero, mentioned in ancient Roman texts but never found, have been discovered under the garden of the future at the Four Seasons Hotel, steps away from the Vatican.
The theater is named after Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, who was Roman emperor from AD 54 until his death in AD 68.
This is probably where Nero rehearsed poetry and put on musical performances, according to ABC News.
For centuries after his death, Nero remains one of the most infamous rulers of ancient Rome, accused of playing his fiddle while the city burned to the ground in a massive fire. Although much has been written about the atrocities and mismanagement that took place under his leadership — he allegedly killed his own mother and two wives and spent the money of Rome profligately, — he is also remembered as a lover of music and the arts, which led him to offer public performances in his theatre, an act in which the elite did not usually take part. He especially liked to play the kithara – a harp-like instrument with seven strings.
But when the mighty Praetorian Guard, the forces responsible for protecting the emperor, withdrew their support, he reportedly took his own life, pathetically exclaiming: " What an artist is dying in me!"
According to The Guardian, archaeologists in Rome have been excavating deep beneath the walled garden of Palazzo della Rovere since 2020 as part of a planned renovation of the frescoed Renaissance building.
The Palazzo, which occupies an entire block along the wide Via della Consciliazione , leading to St. Peter's Square, is home to an ancient Vatican order of chivalry, which rents the space to a hotel to raise money for Christians in the Holy Land.
The Governor-General of the Order of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, Leonardo Visconti di Modrone, confirmed during a press conference, announced the find. News reports say the hotel under renovation is expected to open in time for the Vatican's anniversary in 2025, when around 30 million visitors and pilgrims are expected to visit Rome.
Officials said the finds are «exceptional» character as they give a rare glimpse into the period of Roman history from the empire to the 15th century. Among the finds were 10th-century colored glass goblets and pottery, which are unusual because so little is known about this period in Rome.
Marzia Di Mento, the excavation's chief archaeologist, said what was previously found only seven glass bowls of that era, and that during the excavation of this site, seven more were discovered.
«This is an excellent excavation that every archaeologist dreams of,» Marzia Di Mento told reporters during a press conference, reports ABC news. – The opportunity to dig in this built-up, historically rich area – it's such a rarity.»
Archaeologists have discovered marble columns and stucco decorated with gold leaf, leading them to conclude that the theater of Nero, mentioned in the texts of Pliny the Elder, an ancient Roman writer and philosopher, was indeed located on this site , near the Tiber River, The Guardian notes.
Official officials have said the movable antiquities will be taken to the museum, while the ruins of the theater building itself will be reopened after all research is completed.