Thief Distracted by The Iliad
- Italian suspected thief caught reading book on The Iliad during attempted burglary.
- The distraction delighted the author of the book on Greek gods.
- The thief's interest in literature led to his arrest in Rome.
Rome – Daniele Liquori, an IT technician and classicist, has gained notoriety in Italian media as the “intellectual thief” following his recent arrest for attempted burglary. The incident occurred in the upscale Prati neighborhood of Rome, where Liquori allegedly planned to steal valuables from an apartment but was sidetracked by a book he discovered on a bedside table. The book, titled *Gli dèi alle sei. L’Iliade all’ora dell’aperitivo* (The gods at six. The Iliad at cocktail hour) by Giovanni Nucci, captivated Liquori's attention. The work creatively explores *The Iliad* through lectures by a fictional French professor intertwined with a nostalgic love story. This unexpected distraction led to his downfall, as he became engrossed in the text rather than focusing on his intended crime. Police reports indicate that Liquori's fascination with the book ultimately resulted in his capture. While he initially sought to pilfer the apartment, his literary curiosity proved to be a significant diversion. The incident highlights a peculiar intersection of intellect and crime, raising questions about the motivations behind his actions. As the investigation continues, Liquori's case serves as a reminder of how unexpected circumstances can alter the course of events, leading to unforeseen consequences. The story of the “intellectual thief” has sparked discussions about the role of literature in everyday life, even in the most unlikely situations.