Drought in Rome reveals 2,000-year-old Nero's Bridge

Rome is experiencing a rare sight due to a prolonged drought: the exposed ruins of Nero's Bridge, an ancient structure dating back approximately 2,000 years. The Tiber River's water level has dropped significantly, falling below 80 cubic meters per second, which is half the average for this time of year, according to Giovanni Giganti, coordinator of Rome's civil protection.

"We are facing a major water crisis. It is a crisis that is, among other things, the result of the fact that we had quite heavy rainfall this winter, but then the dry periods were very long," Giganti told the Associated Press. The bridge, known as Pons Neronianus, is thought to have been constructed as a triumphal monument during the reign of Emperor Caligula around 39 AD, though it is named after his nephew, Nero, who renamed numerous structures during his rule from 54 to 68 AD.

Historically, the bridge connected the Campus Martius area, which now includes the Spanish Steps and luxury shopping streets, with Nero's Circus stadium. The Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica now stand on the site of the circus. The best views of the bridge's remains are currently available from the Ponte Sant'Angelo, near the Vatican.

Normally submerged, the bridge's full blocks are now visible, providing archaeologists with a unique chance to study its construction. The low water levels have also revealed other submerged items, including electric scooters, refrigerators, and even a car, washed downstream. The bridge's remains were last visible during a similar drought in 2022.