Rome archeologists find ruins of Nero’s theater

Archeologists in Rome have uncovered ruins of an ancient theater owned by the infamous Roman Emperor Nero. Archeologists discovered the site while renovating the site of a 15th-century palace set to become a Four Seasons hotel. Ancient historians like Pliny the Elder referenced the theater, but modern scholars have not located it until now. Marzia Di Mento, who oversees the dig, called it “one that every archaeologist dreams of.”

Why is this significant? Nero himself frequently took the stage, which motivated him to build the theater during his reign from 54 to 68 A.D. Artifacts found at the dig could give more historical context on how Romans used the theater after Nero until the Palace was built on top of the theater in the 15th century. Roman special superintendent Daniela Porro said the site includes remnants of marble columns, golden decorations, costumes, musical instruments, and backdrops from the theater’s heyday.

Dig deeper: Read Marvin Olasky’s report on how early Christians lived under Roman authority.