Italy’s worst drought in 70 years has exposed the piers of an ancient bridge over the Tiber River once used by Roman emperors but which fell into disrepair by the third century.

One of Rome's most historic bridges was closed on Wednesday as the swollen Tiber River roared through the capital and flooded outlying neighbourhoods.

Print Print 2005-11-29 Tiber river threatens to burst banks Published November 29, 2005 Facebook Twitter ...

On the banks of Rome’s historic Tiber River, the homeless use wood, cardboard and plastic tarpaulins to make a shelter, protecting themselves from the elements as best they can.

The Fabricius Bridge was built in 62 BC by Lucius Fabricius, a curator of Roman roads. It links the left bank of the Tiber to Tiberina Island, a small river island located in the heart of Rome.