Tourist carved initials into a 2,000-year-old house

(Patria) - When tourists visit the Pompeii archaeological park near Naples, they have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a world from almost 2,000 years ago.

Namely, the streets in Pompeii are still preserved, as are many houses, gardens, and frescoes. However, one tourist from Britain decided to leave his mark as well.

On the wall of the House of the Vestal Virgins, an unnamed 37-year-old carved the initials of his family members and the date - August 7 - with a blunt object.

The photos show carved letters next to the entrance door, which were painted red almost 2,000 years ago. Above, on the wall, the initials "JW, LMW, and MW" are visible, and a little lower "MYLAW and 07/08/24".

The managers of the archaeological park noticed what the tourist was doing and immediately called the police, after which the 37-year-old was arrested, writes CNN.

The Italian news agency ANSA states that the Briton apologized and explained that he carved his and his two daughters' initials to leave a mark, or to "immortalize their visit to Pompeii". It is not yet known what specific penalty awaits him.