I bet the Visigoths are jealous...

[MrScorpio]

Vandals Assault Roman Treasures

Posted on Sep 4, 2011

The Trevi Fountain may be stunning or gaudy, depending on whom you ask. Regardless, it is one of Rome’s most frequented destinations.

Police walking a beat in Rome have more than pickpockets to look out for. A new rash of vandals and treasure hunters has afflicted the home of the Roman Empire and the Catholic Church, a city so stuffed with artifacts it is difficult to protect.

Whether to destroy or capture an irreplaceable piece of Western civilization, attackers have targeted the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and an ancient Egyptian obelisk.

The BBC reports that 1,200 new security cameras could help police efforts, but cameras can only document a crime—not prevent it.  —PZS

http://www.truthdig.com/arts_culture/item/vandals_assault_roman_treasures_20110904/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Truthdig+Truthdig%3A+Drilling+Beneath+the+Headlines