In a remarkable twist of fate, the ancient past of Rome has resurfaced beneath the bustling modernity of the city. Archaeologists in Italy’s capital have unearthed the long-lost Theater of Nero, a legendary imperial venue mentioned in historical texts but never before found, hidden beneath the tranquil garden of what will soon become a prestigious Four Seasons hotel.
Archaeologists work at the excavation site of the theater of ancient Roman emperor Nero, 1st century AD (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
The excavation, which commenced in 2020, has delved deep beneath the walled garden of Palazzo della Rovere, a Renaissance castle adorned with exquisite artwork and steeped in history. This castle, nestled near the Vatican, serves as the seat of an ancient order of Vatican knights, with its renovation and future use set to contribute to funding initiatives for Christians in the Holy Land.
During a recent press conference illuminating this groundbreaking discovery, Mr. Leonardo Visconti di Modrone, the general governor of the Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, confirmed the involvement of the Four Seasons Hotel in the project. Anticipation mounts for the hotel’s opening in time for the Vatican’s anticipated anniversary in 2025, coinciding with an influx of an estimated 30 million visitors to Rome.
The significance of this finding cannot be overstated, as it provides a rare window into Rome’s rich tapestry of history, spanning from the grandeur of the empire to the dawn of the 15th century. Among the treasures uncovered are fragments of rare colored glass and ceramics dating back to the 10th century, shedding light on a lesser-known period of Rome’s storied past.
Some relics at the excavation site. Researchers say the pottery shards found will help better understand a little-known period in Rome’s history. Photo: Matteo Nardone
The archaeological team, led by experts dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the ancient world, has made astonishing discoveries. Previously, only seven glass chalices from this era had been unearthed, but the excavation has yielded seven more, alongside stone and plaster columns adorned with delicate gold leaf, confirming the site’s identity as Nero’s Theater on the banks of the Tiber River, as chronicled by the ancient Roman scholar Pliny the Elder.
With reverence for the historical significance of their findings, authorities have announced plans to transfer the relics to a museum for preservation, while the ruins of the theater will be respectfully covered once comprehensive studies are concluded. In doing so, Rome pays homage to its illustrious past while embracing its vibrant present and promising future.