Emperor Nero’s long-lost theater unearthed in Rome

The remains of a private theater once owned by the 1st century Roman Emperor Nero have been uncovered in the Italian capital, just a short distance from the Vatican. Experts are calling the discovery 'remarkable.'

Revealed by Rome's special superintendent, Daniela Porro, on Thursday, the find is believed to be the site where Nero once practiced poetry and music, located close to what is now St. Peter's Basilica.

Historically, the theater's existence had puzzled scholars, as ancient texts by Pliny the Elder mentioned it, but its exact location had remained a mystery until now.

Nero, the fifth emperor of Rome who ruled from 54 to 68 AD, was known for his unpopularity and his indulgent lifestyle, becoming infamous for his extravagance and vices.

The site features exquisite marble columns, gilded decorations, and storage rooms filled with remnants of costumes and stage sets used in Nero’s theatrical productions.

The ongoing excavation is part of a renovation project at the Palazzo della Rovere on Via Della Conciliazione, which leads directly to St. Peter’s Square.

As part of the project, a section of the Renaissance-era Palazzo will be transformed into a Four Seasons hotel, slated to open in 2025, coinciding with Rome’s Jubilee year, expected to attract millions of visitors.

Superintendent Porro remarked in a press statement that these 'exceptional' discoveries offer a rare insight into the period from Nero's reign through the 15th century. Some of the later artifacts, including stage costumes and pottery, reveal the site's continued use as a theater.

Before this excavation, only seven glass chalices dating from Nero’s reign to the 15th century—an era marked by multiple sackings of Rome—had been found. Porro confirmed that seven more chalices were unearthed during the dig.

Among the significant finds were colored glass goblets and pottery fragments, tentatively dated to the 10th century, discovered as part of the extensive excavation, which spans an entire city block.

Marzia Di Mento, the lead archaeologist overseeing the excavation since 2020, described the site as 'a dream come true for any archaeologist.' She told Dinogo on Friday, 'The opportunity to dig in such a historically rich and densely built-up area is truly rare.'

Di Mento explained to Dinogo that it will take several years to thoroughly study and date all the artifacts unearthed during the excavation.

Among the 15th century items uncovered were glass goblets, cooking pots, coins, and remnants of musical instruments. Di Mento also noted the discovery of bone combs and tools used for crafting rosary beads.

Many of the smaller artifacts will be sent to Roman museums for exhibition, while the ruins of the theater will be reburied after they are fully cataloged, according to Porro.

Renovation work continues on the palazzo and the garden above the ruins of the ancient site.