The news that a small portion of Rome’s Colosseum has crumbled off the ancient structure is causing concern for Italy’s historical landmarks.
Three pieces of mortar, about a square meter (10 square feet) in size, fell off the Colossum around sunrise earlier this month. The Roman site was still not open to the public that early in the morning, so no one was injured.
Although the Italian government is being credited for their transparency in revealing the potentially embarrasing incident, some groups are worried that funding cuts are preventing important restoration and preservation projects from taking place.
In March, a portion of the roof of the Domus Aurea, a Roman palace built by Emperor Nero, caved in after heavy rains hit the Italian capital.
In a statement, Tsao Cevoli, president of Italy’s National Association of Archaeologists, said, “We hope the promotion of an extensive monitoring campaign for the archaeological heritage of that part of the Italian territory which, although not newsworthy, is in much more serious conditions of the Colosseum and the Domus Aurea, both more at a time when the fortunes of professional restoration and maintenance of cultural heritage seem uncertain.”
The association has been calling for more recognition and regulation of all professions related to conservation of cultural heritage so that they can operate more effectively.
“All the cuts that have been made to archaeology funds have brought to zero maintenance and conservation activities. There is not enough money to even root out the weeds,” added Cevoli in a separate interview.
“When something happens to these famous sites, emergency funds are set aside. But what’s really missing is a constant maintenance of these structures that have been standing fiercely since the ancient times.”
The Italian govenment had previously announced a 23 million euro project for restoration and cleaning of the Colosseum. That work will begin next month.
Francesco Giro, under-secretary for Italy’s heritage ministry, said “We have already organised work on all areas around the three rings of the Colosseum, the first, second and third floors, which will be completely restored under this project.”
See also our previous article Part of Domus Aurea Collapses
See also our Feature on the Colosseum
Sources: National Association of Archaeologists, Reuters, AOL
