Woman Who Stole Artifacts from Italian Site Pompeii
"Diagnosed with Breast Cancer After One Year... Unaware of Pompeii Curse"
The story of a woman who returned stolen artifacts after claiming she developed cancer due to the "Curse of Pompeii" is drawing attention. On the 15th (local time), the Italian daily Corriere della Sera reported, "A package recently arrived at the Pompeii Archaeological Park, managed by Gabriele Schuchtriegel, containing volcanic rock fragments along with a letter."
A city ruined by volcanic eruption... 'Curse of Pompeii' continues
The package was sent by a tourist who took volcanic rock fragments from the Pompeii ruins in southern Italy and was later diagnosed with cancer. The letter stated, "I did not know about the 'Curse of Pompeii.' I was unaware that no stone should be taken," and continued, "I was diagnosed with breast cancer within a year. I am a young and healthy woman, and doctors say it is just 'bad luck.' Please accept these fragments and my apology." In response, Director Schuchtriegel said, "We wish a speedy recovery to the anonymous sender."
Pompeii, an ancient Roman city completely destroyed by a volcanic eruption in AD 79, was first discovered during construction work in the Italian capital in the 16th century. Excavations began in earnest in the mid-18th century, and it has since become one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually from around the world.
However, the site has long struggled with tourists stealing artifacts. In 2015, a brick stolen from Pompeii in 1958 was even listed for sale on the online marketplace eBay.
The remains of two men presumed to have died in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in Pompeii were discovered in 2020. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]
Notably, in 2020, a Canadian woman who had secretly taken artifact fragments from Pompeii made headlines by apologizing and returning the items, claiming she was cursed. She sent back two mosaic tiles and parts of pottery such as an amphora in a package. The letter accompanying the return described a series of misfortunes following her theft in her early twenties.
At the time, the woman confessed, "I am now 36 years old and have had breast cancer twice, and I am also facing financial difficulties. I do not want this curse to continue to affect my family and children," adding, "I wanted to possess fragments of history that no one else could have, but these artifacts are connected to a land of destruction and carry a great deal of negative energy. I seek forgiveness from God."
As tourists continue to return artifacts to avoid the curse of Pompeii, the city destroyed by volcanic eruption, it has been reported that a museum has been established to collect and exhibit these returned items separately.
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