A German tourist was arrested in Rome after transporting a 30-kilogram fragment of an ancient Roman column on an electric scooter down Via Veneto at high speed with the marble piece placed between his legs on Wednesday, May 21, CNN reported.
The tourist claimed he had acquired the artifact as a souvenir, but it is unclear whether he paid anyone for it. The Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation into possible theft, and police stated that the man is under investigation for "receiving stolen cultural goods," though no charges had yet been filed against him.
Archaeologists are examining the 40 by 20-centimeter marble pedestal to determine its origin and assess its historical value. "It is a piece of cultural heritage of historical and artistic importance," stated researchers from the Ministry of Culture.
The incident occurred near Villa Borghese Park and not far from the Trevi Fountain. Police reported that the marble base was seized for further investigation.
CNN Arabic noted that the man was seen near the U.S. Embassy with the marble base of the ancient column between his legs. The Carabinieri, Italy's military police force, stopped him and reported him to the Prosecutor's Office. "It is of historical interest," said the head of the Archaeological Superintendency of Rome.
The German tourist was on vacation in Rome with a friend who was not involved in the incident. He described himself as a fan of the Roman Empire, as reported by Le Parisien. The man's name has not been disclosed.
"Tourists destroying monuments have long been a headache for Italian authorities, with incidents of irresponsible behavior causing frustration among local citizens for years, and the recent actions of the German tourist are a new example of this disrespect," reported Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger.
Earlier this month, an American tourist underwent emergency surgery after impaling himself on a metal fence post when he tried to climb a fence surrounding the ancient Roman Colosseum. In February, a tourist from New Zealand was fined for diving into the Trevi Fountain.
Tourists have also been arrested for carving initials and letters into the walls of the Roman Colosseum, with incidents reported as far back as 2019, including a British tourist who scratched names two years ago. "In recent years, tourists have been arrested for offenses such as riding electric scooters and driving cars down the famous Spanish Steps," reported Vecernji List.
Tourists have been arrested for riding mopeds and motorcycles among the ancient ruins of Pompeii. The Italian authorities expressed concern over these actions, which they view as showing a lack of respect for the country's cultural heritage. "Very serious, undignified, and a sign of great rudeness," said the Italian Minister of Culture regarding a recent incident.
Produced with the assistance of a news-analysis system.