Last week, a tourist was filmed carving two names on the walls of Rome’s Colosseum. He could now face a hefty fine – or even jail time – for defacing the wonder of the world.
THE video, which was posted on Reddit, shows a man using his keys to scratch the words “Ivan + Hayley ’23” on an exterior wall of the 1,900-year-old structure. Next to him is a woman – presumably Hayley – who is also watching the degradation take place.
At one point, the man looks up, sees a stranger filming him in the act, and simply smiles. “Asshole,” mutters the person holding the camera as they walk away.
It is unlikely that the defigurator – Ivan? – would smile if he knew the history of the punishments inflicted on people who vandalized the Colosseum, even in a minor way.
In 2014, for example, a 42-year-old Russian tourist was caught carving the letter “K”—his initial—on a landmark wall. After being arrested on the spot, the man was sentenced to a fine of 20,000 euros and a four-month suspended prison sentence.
“You can’t write on a historic wall, it’s absolutely forbidden,” said the director of the Colosseum at the time, Rossella Rea.
In 2020, an Irish visitor was also caught scratching his initials on the amphitheater. He was arrested and charged with damaging a historical monument – a crime punishable by one year in prison or a fine of at least €2,065 ($2,200). (It is unclear whether the Irishman was convicted and sentenced or not.)
“The Colosseum, like any monument that represents the history of all of us, must be preserved and passed on to future generations”, Colosseum Spokesperson Federica Rinaldi said CNN at the time.
“Engraving his initials, in addition to being a crime, seems to be a gesture by those who want to appropriate the monument,” added Rinaldi. “Better take a selfie!” »
Representatives for the Colosseum did not immediately return Artnet News’ request for comment on video of the alleged incident from last week.
More trending stories:
A couple renovating their kitchen in Denmark found an ancient stone engraved with Viking runes
Follow Artnet News on Facebook:
Want to stay one step ahead of the art world? Subscribe to our newsletter to receive breaking news, revealing interviews and incisive reviews that move the conversation forward.
