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Ancient Nero's Bridge reemerges from Tiber River as Rome faces water crisis
PBS • • world
Key Points:
- The remains of Nero's Bridge, an ancient structure near St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, have become visible due to significantly low water levels in the Tiber River caused by weeks of minimal rainfall.
- The bridge, which connected Rome's city center to the Tiber's right bank, is believed by scholars to have been built as early as 39 AD, possibly by Emperor Caligula, Nero's uncle.
- The Tiber River's flow has dropped to about half its historic average for July, reaching below 80 cubic meters per second, signaling a major water crisis in Rome.
- Officials attribute the crisis to prolonged dry periods despite abundant rainfall during the previous winter, highlighting ongoing environmental challenges affecting the region.
