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Nero's Bridge Emerges as Tiber River Drops
Newser • • world
Key Points:
- The remains of an ancient bridge, known as Nero's Bridge, have surfaced in Rome's Tiber River near St. Peter's Basilica due to significantly low water levels caused by weeks of minimal rainfall.
- The bridge, which once connected Rome's city center with the Tiber's right bank, is believed to date back to at least 39 AD and may have been built by Emperor Caligula, Nero's uncle.
- Archaeologist Antonella Bonini noted the area's historical significance, linking it to Nero's circus where Apostle Peter was martyred, although the bridge predates Nero's era.
- The Tiber River's flow has dropped to about half its historic average for July, highlighting a major water crisis exacerbated by long dry periods despite earlier abundant winter rainfall, according to Giovanni Giganti of Rome's civil protection service.
