One of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy is the ancient city of Pompeii which was destroyed after the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in AD 79.
Many tourists have stolen a relic or two from the site over the years as a memento.
But scores of these stolen relics have been returned by post with accompanying letters.
The letters explain how the relics brought bad luck to the thieves, who believe that they have been hexed by the curse of Pompeii.
According to legend, Pompeii was destroyed as a punishment by the gods after holy buildings were destroyed by legionaries.
It would seem that the curse is still alive and well.
Pompeii's archaeological superintendent, Massimo Osanna, said, "At a certain point, people started believing in this story again. Even proper thieves have returned things to us."
"People write that the stolen pieces have brought them nothing but trouble. They say they can trace back all their family woes to their theft at Pompeii,” he added.
Osanna revealed that he had received about a hundred packages from around the world in the last few years.
The packages contain small statues, pieces of mosaic, fragments of amphora and parts of murals and frescoes among other keepsakes.
The staff at Pompeii are now planning to showcase all the stolen items in a special exhibition.
