Dutch tourist in Italy destroys frescoes nearly 2,000 years old

(Patria) - A Dutch tourist destroyed a wall with frescoes in an ancient Roman house in Herculaneum, near Naples, damaging a building that survived the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, Italian police reported today.

In a police statement, it is stated that the 27-year-old tourist was quickly identified after staff at the archaeological site discovered graffiti drawn with a black, indelible marker on the white part of a painted wall.

Police said it was the man's signature, and he now faces charges of damaging works of art.

The smaller town compared to its more famous neighbor Pompeii, Herculaneum was buried under a deeper layer of ash, which protected its ruins from looters and left particularly well-preserved remains.

In response to growing vandalism, Italy this year introduced stricter penalties for those who damage monuments and cultural sites, setting fines of up to 40,000 euros.