I consider it very serious, disgraceful behavior and lack of manners that a tourist would destroy one of the most famous places in the world, the Colosseum, in order to carve the name of his girlfriend. I hope whoever did this will be identified and punished according to our law,” Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano tweeted, sharing a video of the incident.
They’re looking for a mindless vandal, there’s a recording
The video shows a vandal staring at a woman. A third person records the scene, and a surprised man is heard in the background asking, “Are you really doing this?” At these words, the tourist had only to smile.
A young tourist, who still remains unidentified, used a key to write “Ivan + Haley 23” on the wall of an ancient structure. For the inscription he placed on one of the walls of the Flavian Amphitheatre, according to the Italian news agency ANSA, he was fined at least fifteen thousand euros and up to five years in prison.
Mayor of Rome: barbaric behavior that offends the whole city and the whole world
The author of the recording reported the act of vandalism to the staff working at the facility. The police are looking for the perpetrator. “The desecration of the Colosseum, Rome’s symbol and world heritage site, with keys is truly an uncivilized and senseless gesture,” Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri wrote in a tweet. “We strongly condemn this barbaric behavior that offends the whole city and the whole world. I hope that the perpetrator will be punished as he deserves,” added the politician.
The Colosseum, actually a Flavian amphitheater, was erected in the years 70-72 to 80 AD at the behest of Roman emperors from the Flavian dynasty: Vespasian and Titus. There were, among others, gladiator fights, it is also traditionally recognized as a place of Christian martyrdom, although there is no evidence of this. On July 7, 2007, the Colosseum was declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
