ROME, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- A Russian visitor who carved his initial into a wall at Rome's Colosseum has been fined about $25,000.
A 4-month jail term was suspended, officials said. The tourist was caught in the act Saturday by a security guard using a stone to cut a "K" almost a foot high.
Kirstie Rick, a visitor from England, said the man clearly ignored signs that vandalism is illegal. She told the Guardian that warning visitors of the cost -- a 20,000-euro fine -- would be more effective.
Rossella Rea, the director of the ancient amphitheater, said the Russian is only the fifth person to be caught creating graffiti at the site. She suggested that's not bad, given that about 6 million people a year visit the Colosseum.
Ironically, graffiti left in ancient times is now carefully preserved. But Rea suggested those early tourists put more effort into their work.
"There are beautiful designs, which are historic and very important," she said.
The Russian left his mark on a brick wall inside the Colosseum.
"The damage to the monument is notable," historic site Superintendent Mariarosaria Barbera told the Italian news agency ANSA. "The incision cut out part of the surface of the structure and compromises its conservation and image".
