An act of unprecedented incivility has stained the archaeology of Herculaneum. A 27-year-old Dutch tourist, vacationing in Campania, decided to leave a mark of his presence on the walls of a Roman domus, smearing the ancient stucco with a permanent marker.
The episode occurred last evening. The security personnel of the Ercolano Archaeological Park immediately alerted the Carabinieri, who intervened on site to identify and report the person responsible.
The images of the defacement have gone viral on the web, sparking outrage and anger among art and culture lovers. An act that not only represents material damage, but also an offense to memory and history.
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The man, identified as MV, was reported for damage and soiling of artistic works. Now he will have to answer for his actions before the justice system.
It's not the first time that tourists become vandals
The Ercolano episode re-focuses the spotlight on the need for greater protection of cultural heritage. A constant commitment from institutions and law enforcement is needed to combat acts of vandalism and to raise public awareness of the importance of preserving our heritage.
EDITORIAL TEAM
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