Nero's Rotating Banquet Hall Discovered at the Palatine Hill
The infamous excesses of Emperor Nero have made a spectacular comeback yesterday, as archaeologists unveiled his legendary rotating banquet hall. Experts excavating in the Domus Aurea (Golden Palace, literally 'Golden House') on Rome's Palatine Hill have found what they claim to be the remnants of a platform and mechanism described by the ancient historian Suetonius, in his opus The Twelve Caesars.
The incredible discovery was made during routine maintenance work at the Palace, which is now located beneath the Baths of Trajan. "This cannot be compared to anything that we know of in ancient Roman architecture," says head archaeologist FrancoiseVilledieu. An additional space found in the Palace is thought to have once been a kitchen, in which extravagant feasts were prepared for Nero and his powerful guests. Suetonius wrote that the room, which experts believe was water-powered, revolved 'day and night, in time with the sky.' He also claims the ceiling contained sliding ivory panels, which poured forth flowers and perfume on diners.
"Nero was like the sun, and people were revolving around the emperor."
"This discovery has no equal among ancient Roman architectural finds," says Maria Antonietta Tomei, the site's superintendent. Her and her team are working hard to ensure the Palace does not succumb to the Baths' weight. The hall's discovery will once again shine a light on one of Rome's cruelest and most callous rulers. Described by Suetonius as 'malodorous' and with a 'prominent' belly, Nero was known for his opulent feasts, orgies and narcissistic artistry during his reign between 54 - 68 AD. He also killed several members of his family, including his mother, on his path to power.
The Golden Palace itself was destroyed by the Great Fire of Rome, which swept through the city in 64 AD, while Nero famously played the fiddle. However this legend is almost certainly untrue, as Nero was staying in his home town of Antium, some 30 miles away. Nero committed suicide following a tax revolt. As he prepared for his demise, his is famously said to have declared, "What an artist the world is losing!" Yesterday's discovery has left state archaeology chief Angelo Bottini in no doubt as to Nero's fervent megalomania: "The heart of every activity in ancient Rome was the banquet, together with some form of entertainment. Nero was like the sun, and people were revolving around the emperor."
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What an amazing excavation - although we don't need any more proof of Nero's lavish lifestyle, it's good to have some anyway. And when they continue discovering such interesting sites, it makes you wonder what else is still left buried - probably quite a lot!
Yes, I've heard about it! Isn't this just amazing?!
At the risk of being pedantic, I should point out that Nero's Golden House was not destroyed by the great fire in AD64, but was built as a result of it. Following the fire there were great areas of Rome (11 of the 14 districts) that needed rebuilding, so Nero decided to build his monumental palace connecting the Palatine with the Esquiline and Caelian Hills.
It was destroyed by Vespasian who filled it in with bricks and concrete so that the Colosseum and Titus' Baths could be enjoyed by the many people of Rome (unlike the Golden House which was only for one man).
Nero's Golden House has to be one of the largest and most opulent buildings in the history of mankind. Some scholars say it covered 300 acres while others a more modest 100. Even if the building were only 23 acres in size, that would still dwarf almost all subsequent dwellings. Upon completion it had several stunning innovations, such as a revolving dining room, and an octagonal room where there were waterfalls and a revolving ceiling showing the position of the stars at night and holes allowing petals to fall on the bemused guests below.
For me, the greatest tragedy regarding the Golden House was that it's megalomaniac owner only got to enjoy it for about six months. All that effort for 180 days.
As I write this, I am looking at both it and the Colosseum, although sadly the former is shut due to concern about safety. Let us hope that it can be reopened soon, so that more people can learn about this fascinating building.
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