Ancient column base transported amid Rome's streets using an electric scooter by a German individual. - Individual transporting old stone socket components on an electric scooter in Rome, Germany
In the heart of Rome, a city renowned for its historical sites, a 24-year-old German tourist attracted extraordinary attention for an unusual act. On Wednesday afternoon, he was spotted gliding through Via Vittorio Veneto on an electric rental scooter, with a 30-kilogram marble base of an ancient column held securely between his legs. The Carabinieri intercepted the man and filed a report at the public prosecutor's office.
The incident took place near Villa Borghese Park, close to the world-famous Trevi Fountain. The origins of the column part are currently under investigation. Preliminary assessments suggest that the approximately 40 x 20 centimeters marble piece is a "cultural good of historical and artistic interest." Consequently, the German is now facing charges for trafficking in cultural goods.
The Italian authorities take the trafficking of cultural goods seriously, with the Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage (TPC) playing a crucial role in combating illicit trafficking. Offenders risk imprisonment and fines commensurate with the severity and nature of the offense. Italy's efforts are part of broader international collaborations, such as Operation Pandora.
Regarding electric scooters, the use of these vehicles is regulated in Rome to ensure public safety and order. Users must adhere to local traffic rules and abide by restrictions on scooter-riding locations and parking spots. There are no specific laws or penalties directly related to using electric scooters in the context of cultural goods trafficking in Rome.
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive regarding the regulation of scooters in various lifestyles, including travel and general news, as authorities strive to balance public safety and the protection of cultural heritage. In the fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden sectors, there exists a growing awareness of the importance of preserving historical artifacts, such as the marble base of an ancient column, which are considered as valuable pieces in the fashion and design industries. The ongoing investigation of the German tourist's acquisition of the cultural good could shed light on the intricate connections between crime and justice and the illicit market for historical artifacts.
