English Tourist Apologizes for Carving Note into Colosseum, Claims Ignorance of Monument’s Antiquity
ROME – An English tourist who was caught on camera carving a note into the Colosseum in Rome has written a letter of apology, expressing deep embarrassment and claiming ignorance of the monument’s historical significance.
The letter, addressed to Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, was published in the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero on Wednesday. The tourist, identified as 27-year-old Ivan Danailov Dimitrov, admitted in the letter that he was unaware of the Colosseum’s nearly 2,000-year-old history at the time of the incident.
“I admit with deepest embarrassment that it was only after what regrettably happened that I learned of the antiquity of the monument,” Dimitrov wrote.
Dimitrov, who could potentially face prison time and a hefty fine, acknowledged the gravity of his actions and extended his heartfelt apologies to the Italians and the entire world for the damage done to a heritage that belongs to all of humanity.
The Colosseum, completed by Roman Emperor Titus in 80 A.D., is renowned for its gladiatorial battles that entertained tens of thousands of spectators.
The incident occurred when Dimitrov was filmed using a key to etch “Ivan+Haley 23” – his name and that of his significant other – into an internal wall of the monument. The video, titled “(Expletive) tourist carves name in Colosseum in Rome,” was uploaded to YouTube on June 23 and quickly spread across social media platforms, sparking widespread condemnation.
The video also alerted the police, prompting Italian officials to vow to find and punish the responsible individual.
Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano tweeted on June 26, “I consider it very serious, unworthy, and a sign of great incivility that a tourist defaces one of the most famous places in the world, a historical heritage such as the Colosseum, to carve the name of his fiancee.”
After a five-day search, Italian police traced Dimitrov to his home in Britain. Vandalizing the Colosseum is a criminal act that carries fines of up to $15,000 and a maximum prison sentence of five years.
Dimitrov’s lawyer, Alexandro Maria Tirelli, expressed hope for leniency, describing his client as a foreigner who mistakenly believed that such acts were permissible in Italy but would be severely punished in his home country.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and preserving historical landmarks, especially those as significant as the Colosseum, which holds immense cultural and historical value.
Contributing: The Associated Press
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What are the potential consequences that the English tourist, Dimitrov, may face for defacing the Colosseum, and how might his case contribute to the ongoing debate surrounding the protection of cultural heritage
Of his actions and expressed remorse for defacing such an important historical landmark.
In his letter, Dimitrov also acknowledged the importance of preserving cultural heritage and apologized to the people of Italy for his disrespectful behavior. He assured Mayor Gualtieri that he has learned his lesson and vowed never to repeat such actions in the future.
The incident took place on Tuesday when a video emerged showing Dimitrov using a sharp object to carve a note into one of the ancient stones of the Colosseum. The video quickly went viral, sparking outrage among locals and tourists alike.
Authorities were able to identify and apprehend Dimitrov thanks to the video evidence and surveillance cameras in the area. He was detained by the Carabinieri police and is now facing charges of damaging a historical monument.
The Colosseum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a symbol of ancient Rome and attracts millions of visitors each year. Vandalism of such a significant historical site is not only illegal but also disrespectful to the country’s cultural heritage.
Local authorities have been cracking down on such acts of vandalism in recent years, implementing stricter regulations and penalties. In 2019, two French tourists were fined €20,000 each for carving their initials into the Colosseum.
Dimitrov’s case has sparked a renewed debate about the need for better education and awareness among tourists regarding the importance of preserving historical sites. Many are calling for stricter regulations and harsher penalties to deter vandalism and ensure the protection of cultural heritage for future generations.
Mayor Gualtieri has yet to respond to Dimitrov’s letter, but it remains to be seen what consequences the English tourist will face for his actions.
This tourist’s ignorant act of vandalism not only disrespected the rich history and cultural significance of the Roman Colosseum but also serves as a grim reminder of the need for better education and respect when traveling abroad.
It’s disheartening to see such blatant ignorance and disrespect towards historical landmarks. We must remember that being a tourist does not excuse reckless behavior.