Ancient Nero Bridge Reappears in Tiber as Rome Grapples with Low Water Levels
Remnants of an old bridge have surfaced in the Tiber near St. Peter’s Basilica while the river’s flow has dropped to about half its usual July rate.
A fragment of an ancient bridge, commonly referred to as Nero’s Bridge, has become visible in the Tiber River close to St. Peter’s Basilica. Archaeologist Antonella Bonini explained that, although the name links the bridge to Emperor Nero, experts think it was actually constructed during Caligula’s rule, as early as 39 AD. The river’s current flow has fallen to less than 80 cubic meters per second, roughly half the typical July average, according to Giovanni Giganti of the Rome civil protection service’s water-management centre.
Giganti described the situation as a major water crisis, noting that a relatively wet winter was followed by an extended dry period. The low water levels have exposed the historic structure, highlighting both Rome’s archaeological heritage and its contemporary water challenges.
Why it matters
The bridge’s emergence underscores Rome’s ancient history while the low river flow signals a pressing water shortage for the city.
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