Sphinx chamber at Nero's palace in Rome found after 2,000 yearsMay 10, 2019 - 12:09 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Experts working on the restoration of Emperor Nero's vast palace in Rome have stumbled upon a secret, underground room decorated with panthers, centaurs and a sphinx, CNN reports. The chamber, brought to light after 2,000 years, is part of the remains of the Domus Aurea (Golden House), the immense palace that Nero built after the fire of 64 AD that devastated Rome. A team at the Archaeological Park of the Coliseum, which encompasses the palace, came upon the opening to the chamber by chance as they were mounting scaffolding for work on an adjacent room of the complex. With the help of artificial lighting, they uncovered a vault covered with colorful frescoes, featuring figures such as the god Pan, a centaur, a panther attacking a man with a sword, and a "mute and solitary sphinx," the Archeological Park of the Coliseum said in a statement. The rich wall decoration also includes depictions of aquatic creatures, tree branches, flowers, birds and garlands. Alfonsina Russo, director of the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum, said the "Sphinx Room" -- as it has been dubbed by archeologists -- "tells us about the atmosphere from the years of the principality of Nero." Much of the room is still underground and filled with dirt, but experts said they will not excavate it further for fears for the stability of the complex. Archeologists dated the Sphinx Room between 65 and 68 AD. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |