Franco Malosso, a resident of the Italian city of Vicenza, was sentenced to prison for taking tourists to an artificial ancient amphitheater he created for many years, passing it off as a genuine archaeological find, according to Il Giornale dell'Arte.

According to the publication, Malosso claimed to have discovered the so-called Beric Marine Amphitheater after a landslide in 2005. Promotional materials claimed that the monument had been visited by famous historical figures, including Julius Caesar. Tourists were charged 40 euros to visit the site.

Almost ten years later, police became suspicious of the discovery's authenticity. After analyzing satellite images and engaging specialists, it was discovered that the amphitheater had been built by Malosso himself in the early 2000s. To create the structure, the landscape was altered, and a depression was dug into the hillside. The steps were laid out of artificially aged blocks, and the space was completed with concrete columns, plaster statues, and an artificial lake.

The trial began in 2016. Ultimately, the court sentenced the 69-year-old Italian to two years and four months in prison for illegal construction and counterfeiting works of art, and ordered him to pay a fine of 3 thousand euros. Local authorities also intend to seek 560 thousand euros in compensation from him.