Unwitting American tourists arrested after carving initials into Colosseum

When it comes to visiting another country and the many delights it has to offer, most of us would probably be satisfied with the chances to see the attractions it has to offer. However, for two American tourists recently arrested in Rome, this clearly wasn't enough. 

The unnamed pair, aged 21 and 25, were apparently apprehended by the ancient Italian city's police after they were reported by other tourists for carving their names into one of Rome's most famous and important structures. 

Despite the fact it is over a thousand years older than their own entire country, the two took it upon themselves to leave a lasting impression on the Colosseum, when they carved their initials into the exterior stonework. 

The Colosseum, which was built between 70 and 80 AD and is the largest ampitheatre of its kind anywhere in the world, may have once been used for some of the most barbaric yet historically interesting spectacles ever, but despite its importance, it now sports a J and N from the two tourists. 

Italian media reports claim that the two women were spied using a coin to carve three-inch high initials into the ancient stonework and were swiftly shopped to police by other tourists who were appalled by their behaviour. 

However, just in case there was any doubt that they had committed the act, the pair compounded their stupidity with a selfie as evidence. 

When collared by police, they apologised for their actions. They didn't do themselves any favours, however, when they then went on to claim that they "did not imagine it was something so serious", to do permanent damage to what is without doubt one of the world's most important and famous historical buildings.