The Theater of Nero in Rome: an exceptional discovery by archaeologists.

In a recent excavation in Rome, just a few meters from the Vatican, archaeologists uncovered the ruins of a private theater from the 1st century, once owned by the Roman Emperor Nero. According to researchers, this is truly an exceptional find that they had long given up hope of discovering.

Nero’s Theater: A Dream Rediscovered

The discovery was announced by Daniela Porro, the special superintendent of Rome. The ruins of the private theater, where Nero practiced poetry and music, are located near the site of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Until now, the existence of this ancient theater had puzzled many historians. The structure was mentioned in Roman texts written by Pliny the Elder, but its location had never been documented before.

Nero, known as the fifth emperor of the Roman Empire, ruled from 54 to 68 AD. He gained a notorious reputation for his extravagance and personal debauchery.

Among the ruins of the ancient theater are elegant marble columns, decorations made of gold leaf, and storage rooms containing remnants of costumes and props used in Nero’s theatrical performances. These excavations are part of a project to renovate the Palazzo della Rovere on Via della Conciliazione, which leads to St. Peter’s Square.

According to the renovation plans, part of the Renaissance-era building will be transformed into a Four Seasons hotel, set to open in 2025, coinciding with the celebration of Rome’s anniversary, which is expected to attract millions of tourists to the city.

A True Treasure Trove of Amazing Finds

Ms. Porro states that these exceptional discoveries provide a rare glimpse into the period from Nero’s reign to the 15th century. Some of the later artifacts indicate the site’s continued use as a theater, including remnants of costumes, as well as newer ceramics and kitchenware.

Previously, only seven glass bowls from Nero’s time to the 15th century had been found, marking a period during which Rome was repeatedly plundered. Ms. Porro notes that the excavations have revealed seven additional similar items. Furthermore, during extensive digs covering this historic neighborhood, colorful glass cups and remnants of ceramics, preliminarily dated to the 10th century, were also discovered.

As reported by Edaition.CNN, archaeologist Marcia Di Mento, who has been overseeing the excavations since 2020, describes these finds as the kind of discoveries every archaeologist dreams of. She emphasizes that the opportunity to dig in this historically rich, built-up area is a rare privilege. Ms. Di Mento also mentions that it will take years to study and date all the treasures found here.

Among the 15th-century artifacts uncovered during the excavations were glass cups, pots, coins, and remnants of musical instruments. According to Ms. Di Mento, bone combs and various tools for making prayer beads were also found.

Many of the smaller finds will be sent to Roman museums for display, while the ruins of the structure will be preserved after they have been cataloged. Meanwhile, renovations of the palazzo and garden above the ruins are ongoing.