Archaeologists have unveiled the remains of a revolving banquet room built by the Roman emperor Nero, who ruled between 54 and 68 BC and was famed for his depraved and extravagant lifestyle, a statement said Wednesday.

The circular dining space, part of Nero s Golden Palace on Rome s Palatine, Esquiline and Caelian hills, was rotated by an impressive piece of machinery which represents a unique element of Roman architecture , the National Centre for Scientific Research said in a statement.

The banquet hall revolved slowly but continually to simulate the earth s rotation.

The sumptuous and sprawling palace and the revolving dining room was chronicled by the Latin historian Suetonius. It had a commanding view of Rome. -AFP