Tourist Arrested in Rome After Transporting Alleged 66-Pound Roman Artifact on Electric Sc

A German tourist was arrested last Wednesday after authorities spotted him speeding through central Rome on an electric scooter while carrying a large piece of an alleged ancient Roman artifact between his legs.

The 30-kilogram (66 pounds) marble fragment, believed to be a pedestal, was seen as the man rode near the U.S. Embassy along Via Veneto, a busy road in the Italian capital.

Italy’s Carabinieri, the national military police, stopped him and handed the case over to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Tourist claims Roman artifact transported by scooter was souvenir

According to police, the tourist claimed the artifact was a souvenir, though it remains unclear whether he purchased it or took it unlawfully.

Investigators have not yet filed formal charges, but the man is under investigation for possession of stolen cultural property.

Experts assess the artifact’s value and origin

Experts from the Ministry of Culture are now studying the 40-by-20-centimeter (16 by 8 inches) marble base to determine its origin and historical value.

BREAKING: Italian police chased down a German tourist on a rented e-scooter… hauling a 30kg chunk of ancient Roman marble.
When stopped, he said it was a souvenir.
Archaeologists are now playing “Guess That Ruin.”
No charges yet. Just vibes and felony-level tourism. pic.twitter.com/GxEKjRGMwc

— @_Treasure_Kings_ (@_Treasure_Kings) May 23, 2025

They described it as part of Italy’s cultural heritage with both artistic and archaeological importance. Authorities seized the artifact for further examination.

The incident occurred near major landmarks

The incident occurred near Villa Borghese Park and the Trevi Fountain – two areas frequented by tourists. Rome’s Archaeological Superintendency confirmed the item is of historical interest.

Local media outlets, including CNN Arabic and Le Parisien, reported that the unnamed tourist was vacationing with a friend who was not involved in the incident. The man told officials he was a fan of the Roman Empire.

Tourist behavior remains an ongoing issue

Officials in Italy have long struggled with the issue of tourist misconduct at historic landmarks. Repeated incidents of vandalism and unsafe behavior have prompted concern from both local citizens and the government.

In recent years, visitors have been fined or arrested for damaging ancient sites. In May, an American tourist was seriously injured after falling onto a metal fence post while trying to climb a barrier around the Colosseum.

In February, a tourist from New Zealand was fined for diving into the Trevi Fountain. Other cases include tourists carving initials into the Colosseum’s walls, riding scooters down the Spanish Steps, and driving cars through protected zones.

A British tourist was previously caught scratching names into the Colosseum’s stone, and several others have been prosecuted for similar acts since 2019.

In Pompeii, tourists have been seen riding mopeds and motorcycles among the ruins, further alarming cultural officials. Italy’s Minister of Culture recently condemned such actions as “very serious, undignified, and a sign of great rudeness.”

Officials urge protection of heritage sites

Authorities continue to warn that tampering with cultural heritage not only damages irreplaceable history but can also lead to legal consequences.

The case of the tourist arrested with a Roman artifact highlights the growing need to safeguard Italy’s ancient landmarks from careless and disrespectful behavior.