In a shocking incident, a tourist visiting Pompeii Archaeological Park in Italy was caught vandalizing the ancient plaster wall of the House of Ceii. The tourist from Kazakhstan etched the letters “ALI” into the wall before authorities intervened. This act of defacement highlights the need for stricter protection of historical sites and serves as a warning to all tourists.
The House of Ceii
The House of Ceii, likely owned by magistrate Lucius Ceius Secundus, stands as one of the few structures from the second century B.C.E. still preserved in Pompeii. Its vibrant frescoes and unique architecture provide a glimpse into the past.
The Vandalism Incident
On June 22, 2024, the tourist attempted to carve his name into the plaster wall of the House of Ceii. Thankfully, workers alerted the Carabinieri (Italy’s law enforcement agency), leading to the tourist’s arrest. Italy’s strengthened laws now require vandals to repay the costs of restoring damaged heritage sites.
