The roofed theatre displayed ... and river port at the site of a Roman town. The Cambridge University-led study suggested that Interamna Lirenas, in central Italy, was a thriving town.

The assumed lack of a theatre here was taken as evidence of the town’s early decline.” The 13-year-long study is published today in the edited volume Roman Urbanism in Italy.

Archaeologists unearthed an ancient Roman structure known as Nero's Theater. Nero was known as an emperor who had an affinity for theater and music, PBS reported. He reigned over Rome from 54-68 AD.