FORVM`s Classical Numismatics Discussion Board

Numismatic and History Discussion Forums => History and Archeology => Topic started by: Will Hooton on March 30, 2010, 09:14:01 am

Title: Domus Aurea roof collapses.
Post by: Will Hooton on March 30, 2010, 09:14:01 am

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/7538038/Neros-Golden-Palace-ceiling-collapses-due-to-rain.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/7538038/Neros-Golden-Palace-ceiling-collapses-due-to-rain.html)

Title: Re: Domus Aurea roof collapses.
Post by: TifJC on March 30, 2010, 05:34:16 pm

It is disappointing that historical architecture is crumbling.  :'( However, it is a surprise that Nero's house lasted so long.

Title: Re: Domus Aurea roof collapses.
Post by: Joe S2 on March 31, 2010, 09:22:05 am

That is really too bad.  Every time I was lucky enough to be in Rome it happened to be closed.  At  this rate if I ever get to go back it will be gone  :-[.

Title: Re: Domus Aurea roof collapses.
Post by: Paleologo on March 31, 2010, 12:07:39 pm

Unfortunately the Domus Aurea renovation is just another endless italian story. Apparently the money for repairing this emergency will come from the funds already allocated for ordinary restoration, so don't expect the site to be open anytime soon  :(

Title: Re: Domus Aurea roof collapses.
Post by: slokind on March 31, 2010, 02:58:59 pm

I had been trying to get into the Domus Aurea since my first trip to Rome (1959).  There was always a reason...  Pat L.

Title: Re: Domus Aurea roof collapses.
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on March 31, 2010, 03:27:07 pm

I wonder why they leave it buried, as the weight of the soil must add to the strain on the building.

Title: Re: Domus Aurea roof collapses.
Post by: Optimo Principi on March 31, 2010, 03:31:06 pm

Quote from: slokind on March 31, 2010, 02:58:59 pm

I had been trying to get into the Domus Aurea since my first trip to Rome (1959).  There was always a reason...  Pat L.

3 trips for me and closed every time. Anyone know what periods it actually was open to the public?

Title: Re: Domus Aurea roof collapses.
Post by: Paleologo on April 01, 2010, 06:37:44 am

There was a short period when it was actually open for the 2000 Holy Year, at least for small guided tours. Now it's closed again on a more or less permanent basis since 2005. I have always lived in Rome and I remember since I was a young boy that the DA was always "closed for restoration".

I don't know if it would actually be feasible to uncover the underground parts, they were used as foundations to later buildings and the large environmental change could easily damage paintings and structures.

Title: Re: Domus Aurea roof collapses.
Post by: fluffy82 on April 01, 2010, 10:45:40 am

What a loss! I guess it's not feasible to reconstruct the collapsed rooms?

Luckily they have been thoroughly researched... Larry Ball's book is great on the subject.