Colosseum vandal apologizes for defacing ancient Roman building, claims he was unaware of its age

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Tourist filmed carving name on wall at Rome’s ancient Colosseum

Italy’s culture minister called the incident a ‘serious, unworthy and a sign of great incivility.’

The tourist who was seen etching his name on a brick wall of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy has apologized for his actions, a letter shows.

United Kingdom resident Ivan Danailov Dimitrov, 31, was caught defacing the ancient building in a video in June. His apology was published Wednesday by Italian newspaper Il Messaggero.

In a viral video, Dimitrov was seen carving a wall with the name of fiancée, writing "Ivan+Haley 23." He then turns around and smiles.

In the letter, Dimitrov apologizes to both "Italians and the entire world for the damage done to a monument, which is, in fact, heritage of all humanity." 

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A man was caught on camera carving names into a wall of Rome's ancient Colosseum. (Gennaro Sangiuliano)

The tourist implied that he was unaware of how old the building was, and said he felt deeply ashamed for his actions.

"I admit with deepest embarrassment that it was only after what regrettably happened that I learned of the monument’s antiquity," the letter, which was obtained by the New York Times, read.

Dimitrov promised that he recognized "seriousness of the deed I committed," in the letter, which was addressed to the mayor of Rome and the Roman prosecutor's office.

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Visitors take photos of the ancient Roman Colosseum, in Rome, Tuesday, June 27, 2023. (AP)

The wall that Dimitrov vandalized was not technically ancient, as it was built in the mid-19th century as part of restoration efforts. But video still caused outrage in Italy, where ancient buildings have been the target of vandalism for years.

"I consider it very serious, unworthy and a sign of great incivility that a tourist defaces one of the most famous places in the world, the Colosseum, to engrave the name of his fiancée," Italian Cultural Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano tweeted. 

"I hope that whoever did this will be identified and sanctioned according to our laws," he added.

Visitors walk past the Colosseum, in Rome, Tuesday, June 27, 2023. (AP)

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The Colosseum, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dates back to 72 AD. It was completed in 80 AD under Roman emperor Titus. 

Fox News Digital's Louis Casiano contributed to this report.