The construction of the Domus Aurea (Golden House) has been considered the most extravagant enterprise throughout the history of Rome. When two thirds of the city were burnt by the great fire of 64, Emperor Nero used the «free» space to build his new palace. Built in a very short time, Nero committed suicide in AD 68 but before he could fully enjoy their stay, the huge golden dome that gave its name was just one of many bizarre elements of its decor: there was gold everywhere roof thrust with semi-precious stones and ivory auctions mosaics, precious finish, pools and fountains everywhere, an artificial lake …

Photography by halsey7

Most of the walls were covered with frescoes, trying different themes for each group of rooms, bedrooms, finished off with perfectly polished white marble, with shapes that play with light and concentrated or dispersed at the whim of architects . Had many swimming pools in soils and water sources that were ringing in every aisle. Nero showed great interest in every little detail of the project, according to the Yearbook of Tacitus, and supervised at all times to the two main architects of the complex, seriousness and speed. In short, the Domus Aurea radiated a luxury never seen before.

The Domus Aurea occupied, as calculated, about 50 hectares in the hills of the Palatine and the Esquiline, in total an area 25 times that of the Coliseum, and had no less than 300 rooms. He also had vineyards, cornfields, woods and an artificial lake at the present site of the Roman Colosseum. Apparently, it was a village dedicated exclusively to parties, because none of the 300 rooms served as a bedroom. Stranger still is that it still has not found a single kitchen or toilet in the entire complex.

Severus and Celer used very innovative techniques. Upon entering guests could marvel at a waterfall that seemed venírsele up but disappeared at the last moment by a canal at his feet. The palace had magnificent halls and colonnades, libraries and countless swimming pools and bathrooms with assorted silver sea water of different mineral waters.

The main dining room was surmounted by a dome that day and night revolved around its axis by the force of water, and roofs of many other kitchens were formed by a mobile plate of ivory and gold, driven by slaves during the banquet, the parted to drop flower petals and perfumes varied among the guests. It is said that on one occasion fell so many rose petals on an unfortunate guest who he died of asphyxiation.

The paintings cover anything that was not by gold and precious stones. The main artist of the paintings was fabulus. The technique of painting art demand speed, secure and decisive stroke. Fabulus paint the Domus Aurea in a few hours each day, while there was daylight. The accuracy and speed of execution of fabulus provided a wonderful unity to his compositions, surmounted by a precious delicacy.
Nero’s Domus Aurea free:

After the death of the emperor, the Golden House became an annoying extravagance for his successors. It was dismantled in marble, precious stones, gold and ivory in a few years. Shortly afterwards, the palace and its surroundings, which encompassed an area of 2.6 km ², were completely buried and proceeded to build on the new layer of earth, Vespasian built the Flavian Amphitheater (later Coliseum) on the former site of the lake of the Domus Aurea, the Baths of Trajan and the Temple of Venus and Rome were also built in the new stratum. Within 40 years, the Domus Aurea had disappeared almost completely from the surface, but paradoxically this did to survive the passage of many centuries, especially his paintings are in good condition, virtually no moisture, isolated from the weather was ideal for conservation.

Nero left a very personal legacy to Rome.