Immediately after the fire of 64 A.D., which destroyed large parts of the centre of Rome, the emperor Nero ordered the construction of a new residence, much grander and more luxurious than that which it replaced.

 Faced in high quality marble, its vaults decorated with gold and precious stones, this new residence certainly merited the name Domus Aurea (House of Gold).

Taking its inspiration from the East and incorporating innovative and original design features, the enormous complex immense vineyards, wooded glades, pastures and even an artificial lake, as well as treasures plundered from Eastern cities and precious ornaments and monuments, one of the...