Remains of a waterfall in front of the octagonal room.
The Domus Aurea (Golden House) was the residence Nero built between the years of the great fire of 64 AD and his death in 69 AD. It was a luxurious palace with gold, pearls and precious stones on the walls and floor. The emperors that followed Nero tried to destroy as much of his reign's memory as they could. The palace was stripped of all the precious materials. They filled in his golden house with stones and dirt to support the weight of the baths that were to be built on top it. It was rediscovered during the renaissance years and many renaissance artists lowered themselves into the Domus Aurea to see the works of art that remained on the ceiling and walls.