Italy Extreme Weather Drought

The ruins of the ancient Roman Neronian bridge, emerge from the riverbed of the Tiber river due to drought, in Rome, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026.

Tags

As featured on

Nero’s Bridge emerges from Tiber River as Rome faces water crisis

Nero’s Bridge emerges from Tiber River as Rome faces water crisis

Rome’s ancient Nero’s Bridge has reemerged from the Tiber River as exceptionally low water levels expose parts of the historic structure near St. Peter’s Basilica. Weeks of little to no rain have caused the Tiber’s flow to fall below 80 cubic meters per second, according to Rome’s civil protection service. Archaeologists say the bridge, traditionally associated with Emperor Nero, may actually predate his reign and have been built under his uncle, Emperor Caligula. The discovery comes as Rome faces a water crisis after prolonged dry periods followed relatively abundant winter rainfall.