The low level of the Tiber has revealed the 2,000-year-old remains of Nero's Bridge

Low water levels in the Tiber River have revealed remnants of the ancient Nero Bridge near the Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome. The structure, believed to have been built during the reign of Emperor Nero (54–68 AD), connected the Campus Martius with the area of modern-day Vatican City. These findings were reported by the Slovenian news outlet STA on August 14, 2026. The unusually low water level has exposed parts of the bridge’s remains, which are mostly hidden beneath the river's surface under normal conditions. According to the National Museum of the Castel Sant'Angelo, the area around the Vatican was once part of imperial estates belonging to Emperor Nero, including the villa of his mother Agrippina. The ancient Via Cornelia ran through this region, leading toward the present-day Castel Sant'Angelo. In the late 19th century, the pillars of the Nero Bridge were removed to improve navigability of the Tiber. During archaeological excavations in the early 20th century, as part of the construction of the current Vittorio Emanuele II Bridge, workers discovered iron piles and wooden beams at the riverbed. These artifacts suggest the bridge had a wooden framework supported by stone piers. The exact date of the Nero Bridge’s destruction remains unclear, though it is likely that it was lost during the Gothic Wars in the sixth century. Historical records indicate that the bridge was partially damaged by fire, possibly during the siege of Rome by the Goths in 549 AD. Some sources suggest that the bridge was dismantled after its collapse, while others claim it was deliberately destroyed to prevent enemy access. Archaeologists and historians have long speculated about the existence of the Nero Bridge, based on ancient texts and architectural plans. The recent exposure of its remains provides new physical evidence supporting these theories. The discovery has sparked interest among local authorities and cultural institutions, who are considering further investigations into the site. The visibility of the bridge’s remnants highlights the ongoing impact of environmental factors on historical preservation. As climate change continues to affect water levels in rivers worldwide, such discoveries become more frequent. In Rome, officials have expressed concern over the potential loss of other submerged structures due to rising sea levels and shifting hydrological patterns. They are now planning additional surveys to assess the extent of the visible ruins and determine whether further excavation is warranted.