Its whereabouts had been a mystery until now.
The remains came to light during excavations in the courtyard of Palazzo della Rovere, today the headquarters the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
They are said to include parts of the semi-circular cavea, marble columns, gold-leaf stucco decorations and rooms thought to have been used as storage areas for costumes and stage sets.
The theatre was built by the emperor Nero, who reigned from AD 54 until his death in AD 68.
“This is an exceptionally important discovery that testifies to the place where Nero rehearsed his poetry and singing performances, documented in ancient sources but never discovered,” said Rome Special Superintendent Daniela Porro.
The excavations, which began in 2020, have already brought to light remains of the Horti di Agrippina, where the emperor Caligula had a large circus built for horse racing, and traces of productive and pilgrimage activities during the Middle Ages.
ANSA
