A large part of the ceiling of Nero's Golden Palace in Rome has collapsed

Rome - A large part of the central ceiling vault of one of the most popular ancient monuments in Rome, the magnificent Golden Palace (Latin: Domus Aurea) complex of Emperor Nero, collapsed today. According to experts, this is the most serious case in this area in the last 50 years. No injuries have been reported so far. This was reported by news agencies citing official sources.
    Firefighters' spokesman Luca Cari stated to AP that about 60 square meters of masonry from the ceiling of the corridor leading to the ancient bathhouse was released. Firefighters are checking if anyone is trapped under the rubble. The area had to be closed because it is near the entrance to public gardens.
    The hole will be covered with 300 sandbags to prevent damage in case of rain.
    Experts on ancient monuments do not yet agree on the seriousness of the situation.
    For instance, Luciano Marchetti stated that the structure is at risk of further collapse and the situation is very serious. He ranks traffic-induced tremors and exhaust pollution among the biggest problems here.
    Another specialist, Umberto Croppi, does not consider the problem too serious, as the collapsed corridor is independent of the palace and thus, according to him, the palace itself is not at risk of collapse.
    The palace was reopened to tourists in 1999. It had been closed for the previous 21 years for the protection of the monument and safety.
    The luxurious Domus Aurea palace was built by the Roman Emperor Nero after the great fire of Rome in 64 AD. The entire enormous complex reportedly extended over an area of about 80 hectares. According to contemporary historians, Nero's villa was a residence of unprecedented luxury, including a revolving dining room, but also of bad taste and vice. After the emperor's death in 68 AD, his colossal statue measuring over 30 meters was removed, and the artificial lake was filled in. Later, the Colosseum was built on its site. Currently, the ruins of the palace are once again accessible to the public near the Colosseum on the Roman Esquiline hill.