One innovation was destined to have an enormous influence on the art of the future: Nero placed mosaics, previously restricted to floors, in the vaulted ceilings. Only fragments have survived, [56] but that technique was to be copied extensively, eventually ending up as a fundamental feature of Christian art: the apse mosaics that decorate so many churches in Rome, Ravenna, Sicily, and Constantinople. He also built a nymphaeum on the eastern side of the Caelian, visible across the valley from the pavilion, and against the eastern wall of the unfinished Temple of Claudius. [36] [37] The nymphaeum was made up of tiered columns and semicircular and rectangular niches; it would have contained a large sculptural group at the centre. Archaeological excavations confirm that the water cascaded from the top of the nymphaeum down into 4 basins. The aqueduct fed the nymphaeum and ultimately the lake. [38] when your fellow Americans tell you that knowing things is elitist and they hate elites, and all you have ever had is your mind and you were brought up to believe in the loveliness of knowledge.” P. 359

In such times as ours, the fabular and mythic may provide more opportunities than the contemporary everyday; and certainly novelists such as Colm Tóibín and Kamila Shamsie have recently turned to the ancient world to find touchstones for new work. Rushdie has always been an impish myth-manipulator, refusing to accept, as in this novel, that the lives of the emperors can’t be blended with film noir, popular culture and crime caper. On the evidence of The Golden House, he is quite right. The weight of earth on the Domus was also causing a problem. [12] [26] Increasing concerns about the condition of the building resulted in its closing at the end of 2005 for further restoration work. [27] The complex was partially reopened in 2007, but closed in 2008 because of safety concerns. [20]Scaiola, Serena. "Domus Aurea - A Stunning Tour of Emperor Nero's Underground Golden House in Rome - La Gazzetta Italiana". www.lagazzettaitaliana.com . Retrieved 2019-05-14.

The rise and fall of this family is elevated to ridiculous levels of importance. But, where Rushdie really got my attention is when he began making timely connections between the state of the nation (during the time leading up to the current U.S. presidential election) and the state of the Golden house, writing some incredible, damning passages that leave no ambiguity to his feelings towards the 45th president. These passages are powerful, stunning and show a fiery mastery of political/social commentary. Overall, I was richly rewarded by this read. I was thrilled by it lively pace and well pleased with the balance between playful satire and serious drama. One of my best reading experiences of the year.The move of the Goldens to America coincides with Obama’s election in 2008. As the novel progresses, the political change starts to overshadow the main characters as the lies are uncovered, the truth (what is truth in this book?) unravels and basically, everything goes to hell in a hand basket.