Gaby
In a recent excavation in Rome, just a few meters from the Vatican, archaeologists uncovered the ruins of a 1st-century private theater that once belonged to Emperor Nero. The archaeologists had long given up hope of finding it.
Nero’s Theater: A Dream Rediscovered
The discovery was announced by Daniela Porro, the special superintendent for 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, historians had been puzzled about the theater’s existence. It appears in texts by Pliny the Elder, but its location had never been documented.
Nero, the fifth Roman emperor, ruled from AD 54 to 68 and earned a notorious reputation for extravagance and excess.
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.
Renovation plans call for part of the Renaissance-era palazzo to become a Four Seasons hotel, scheduled to open in 2025 — timed to Rome’s anniversary celebrations, which are expected to draw millions of tourists.
A True Treasure Trove of Amazing Finds
Porro says these 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, along with newer ceramics and kitchenware.
Previously, archaeologists had found only seven glass bowls spanning from Nero’s era to the 15th century, a period when Rome was repeatedly plundered. Porro says the excavations have turned up seven more similar items. During extensive digs across this neighborhood, colorful glass cups and ceramics preliminarily dated to the 10th century were also discovered.
Archaeologist Marcia Di Mento, who has overseen the excavations since 2020, calls these finds the kind every archaeologist dreams of. She emphasizes that the opportunity to dig in this historically rich, built-up area is a rare privilege. Di Mento also says it will take years to study and date all the treasures found here.
Among the 15th-century artifacts were glass cups, pots, coins, and pieces of musical instruments. Di Mento also says archaeologists found bone combs and tools used to make prayer beads.
Many of the smaller finds will be sent to museums in Rome for display, while the ruins of the structure will be preserved after they have been cataloged. Meanwhile, renovations of the palazzo and the garden above the ruins are ongoing.
