Dutch tourist accused of vandalizing ancient Roman villa in Herculaneum

A 27-year-old Dutch tourist is accused of defacing a wall in an ancient Roman villa in Herculaneum, an ancient city that was buried under lava along with the better-known Pompeii in 79 AD. The Dutch man tagged the wall with his graffiti signature using a black marker, the Italian police said.

According to the police, the tourist was apprehended shortly after staff at the archaeological site discovered the graffiti. The Dutchman is charged with damage and defacement of artistic works.

“Any damage hurts our heritage, our beauty, and our identity, and that is why it must be punished with the utmost firmness,” Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano said in a statement, according to Reuters.

The Dutch tourist faces a hefty fine if he is found guilty. Early this year, the Italian parliament increased the fine for damaging a monument from 15,000 to 40,000 euros, NU.nl reports.