Tourist carves initials into Pompei ruins
The perfectly preserved streets and buildings of Pompei offer a unique chance to catch a glimpse into people’s lives nearly two millennia ago. Pompei was frozen in time following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79CE, preserving the memories for generations. However, for one tourist from the UK, that wasn’t enough as they were caught engraving his initials, along with that of his family’s into one of its 2,000-year-old houses.
The 37-year-old who has not been named, is believed to have made five engravings, his initials as well as the date, 7th August, with a blunt object on the wall of the House of the Vestal Virgins. Photos of the damage show the letters scratched in the plaster beside the entrance door which 2,000 years ago would have been frescoed red. The letters “JW LMW MW” high on the wall and “MYLAW 07/08/24” further down are visible on the house.
The park has not commented but when a visitor to Pompei from Kazakhstan was caught carving his initials on the House of the Ceii in the ancient city, director Gabriel Zuchtriegel said that the tourist would need to pay to restore the wall.
The case has been referred to the local court in Torre Annuziata for “damage to artistic heritage” which could carry fines of 20-60,000 euros and possible jail sentences of up to five years. This comes after laws were tightened in January.
