ROME – Remains of an ancient bridge, known as Nero's Bridge, have emerged from the Tiber River as drought conditions have caused water levels to drop significantly. The exposed sections of the historic structure are located near St. Peter's Basilica.
Archaeologists suggest the bridge may predate Emperor Nero, with some scholars attributing its construction to his uncle, Caligula, as early as 39 AD. Nero is famously associated with the area, as his circus, now the site of the Vatican, is where the Apostle Peter was martyred, according to Antonella Bonini, an archaeologist at Rome's cultural heritage superintendency.
The Tiber's current flow is below 80 cubic meters (2,825 cubic feet) per second, approximately half the historic average for July, according to Giovanni Giganti, coordinator of the Rome civil protection service's water management center. Giganti described the situation as a major water crisis, exacerbated by a dry winter followed by prolonged dry periods.