Rome 23 august 2023“This is a discovery of exceptional importance,” comments Daniela Porro, special superintendent of Rome, “which testifies to the place where Nero rehearsed his poetic and singing performances, known from ancient sources but never found. Also of great interest are the medieval findings in this important area of the city’.
Structures and decorations that can be identified with the remains of the legendary Theatre of Nero have come to light in the inner courtyard of Palazzo della Rovere, seat of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
Excavations began in 2020, under the scientific direction of Renato Sebastiani and continued by Alessio De Cristofaro, and conducted in the field by Marzia Di Mento with the MDM archaeology team. They have led to important discoveries of both the remains of the Horti di Agrippina, where Caligula had a large circus built for horse racing and where Nero had built a large theatre, mentioned by Pliny, Suetonius and Tacitus, and traces of the production and pilgrimage activities of the medieval age.
The remains that have come to light concern the left part of the cavea in the shape of a hemicycle, the scenæ frons, sumptuous columns finely worked in precious marble, refined stucco decorations with gold leaf and service rooms, perhaps storerooms for costumes and scenery. All of these elements, together with the high technique of construction and the brick stamps, help to identify the buildings found as the Theatrum Neronis testified to by ancient sources.
The archaeological investigation has thus yielded exceptional finds ranging from the late Republican age to the 15th century. The excavations are still in progress but have already uncovered precious objects, which have been studied, analysed and are ready to be admired: there are rare examples of glass chalices, jugs and ceramic material, pilgrims’ insignia, bone objects for musical instruments furniture hinges, and rosary beads.
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“This is a discovery of exceptional importance,” comments Daniela Porro, special superintendent of Rome, “which testifies to the place where Nero rehearsed his poetic and singing performances, known from ancient sources but never found. Also of great interest are the medieval findings in this important area of the city’.
Structures and decorations that can be identified with the remains of the legendary Theatre of Nero have come to light in the inner courtyard of Palazzo della Rovere, seat of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
Excavations began in 2020, under the scientific direction of Renato Sebastiani and continued by Alessio De Cristofaro, and conducted in the field by Marzia Di Mento with the MDM archaeology team. They have led to important discoveries of both the remains of the Horti di Agrippina, where Caligula had a large circus built for horse racing and where Nero had built a large theatre, mentioned by Pliny, Suetonius and Tacitus, and traces of the production and pilgrimage activities of the medieval age.
The remains that have come to light concern the left part of the cavea in the shape of a hemicycle, the scenæ frons, sumptuous columns finely worked in precious marble, refined stucco decorations with gold leaf and service rooms, perhaps storerooms for costumes and scenery. All of these elements, together with the high technique of construction and the brick stamps, help to identify the buildings found as the Theatrum Neronis testified to by ancient sources.
The archaeological investigation has thus yielded exceptional finds ranging from the late Republican age to the 15th century. The excavations are still in progress but have already uncovered precious objects, which have been studied, analysed and are ready to be admired: there are rare examples of glass chalices, jugs and ceramic material, pilgrims’ insignia, bone objects for musical instruments furniture hinges, and rosary beads.