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 man, identified as 27-year-old Ivan Danailov Dimitrov, admitted in the letter that he was unaware of the nearly 2,000-year-old amphitheater’s antiquity until after the incident occurred. He extended his heartfelt apologies to the Italians and the entire world for the damage done to a heritage that belongs to all of humanity.
Dimitrov, who could face prison time and a hefty fine, acknowledged the gravity of his act. The Colosseum, completed by Roman Emperor Titus in 80 A.D., is famous for its gladiatorial battles that entertained tens of thousands of spectators.
The incident came to light when a video titled “(Expletive) tourist carves name in Colosseum in Rome” was uploaded to YouTube on June 23. The video, recorded by an outraged onlooker, showed Dimitrov 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 quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread condemnation.
Italian officials, alerted by the video, vowed to find and punish the responsible individual. Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano tweeted on June 26, calling the act “very serious, unworthy, and a sign of great incivility.”
After a five-day search, Italian police traced Dimitrov to his home in Britain. Vandalizing the Colosseum is a crime that carries fines of up to $15,000 and a maximum prison sentence of five years.
Dimitrov’s lawyer, Alexandro Maria Tirelli, hopes for leniency in the case. He described Dimitrov as a foreigner who frivolously believed that anything was allowed in Italy, even acts that would be severely punished in their own countries.
The incident has sparked outrage among locals and tourists alike, highlighting the need for greater awareness and respect for historical landmarks. The Colosseum is a symbol of Rome’s rich history and cultural heritage, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Contributing: The Associated Press
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What legal consequences does Dimitrov face for his offense against the cultural heritage of the country
Ds his apologies to the people of Rome and Italy, acknowledging that his actions were disrespectful and an offense against the cultural heritage of the country.
Dimitrov also stated in the letter that he deeply regrets his thoughtless behavior and expressed his willingness to accept any legal consequences for his actions. He emphasized that he had no intention of causing any harm or damage and sincerely apologized for his ignorance.
The incident took place on Sunday when a video circulated on social media showing Dimitrov carving the letter “I” into the outer wall of the Colosseum with a keysword. The video sparked outrage among Italians and tourists alike, who condemned the act as a blatant disregard for the historical significance of the iconic monument.
Italian authorities were quick to respond to the incident, and Dimitrov was promptly arrested. He now faces charges of damaging a historical and artistic landmark, which could result in a hefty fine or even imprisonment if convicted.
The Colosseum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Italy, attracting millions of visitors each year. Built in 70-80 AD, it was once an amphitheater where gladiatorial contests and other spectacles took place. The monument stands as a symbol of Rome’s rich history and cultural significance.
The incident serves as a reminder that tourists must respect the historical and cultural sites they visit. It highlights the need for educational efforts to raise awareness about the significance of these landmarks, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
While Dimitrov’s letter of apology may not undo the damage done, it does show a recognition of the gravity of his actions and serves as a reminder to all visitors to approach historical sites with the respect they deserve.
It’s disheartening to witness such ignorance and disrespect towards a treasured historical site. The apology letter is a step in the right direction, but it’s crucial that tourists educate themselves on cultural significance before visiting landmarks. We must all strive to preserve and appreciate these iconic symbols of our shared heritage.