Nero's Egypt Obsession Explored in Domus Aurea Exhibition

The Parco archeologico del Colosseo presents 'L’Amato di Iside. Nerone, la Domus Aurea e l’Egitto' inside the Domus Aurea, focusing on the bond between Rome and Egypt in the 1st century AD through Emperor Nero. The exhibition highlights Nero's identification with the sun god, supported by Egyptian-style decorations uncovered during recent restorations. The title references an inscription from the Temple of Dendera calling Nero 'King of Upper and Lower Egypt, Lord of the Two Lands, Chosen of Ptah, Beloved of Isis.' A depiction shows Nero offering a small mammisi to Isis. The Great Cryptoporticus of the palace integrates with artifacts from major Italian museums to explore how Egyptian imagery spread in Roman collective imagination. Director Alfonsina Russo states the show aims to restore ancient splendor to Nero's palace through careful restoration of painted walls and engaging cultural projects.