BBC News Online: World: Europe

Ancient Roman walls crumbles

A section of the ancient city wall of Rome, dating back to the third century A.D., has collapsed after heavy rain.

The twenty-metre long stretch on the southern outskirts of the Italian capital was originally part of a massive fortified ring around Rome, built by Emperor Aurelius to defend the city.

The wall is regularly visited by tourists but none was present when it crumbled late on Sunday.

Experts say the monument will be reconstructed after a survey to ascertain whether other parts of the wall might still be dangerous.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service