Giant Ships of Rome

[Titus Martius]

The idea that the ships are a forgery is a real stretch. What would be the motive for such an expensive, elaborate hoax? Conspiracies of this kind are nearly impossible to keep secret, each person let in on the secret increases the chance exponentially that the secret will get out. Machiavelli explains that the potential rewards and praise are too great not to expect one person to blow everyone's cover, and that the only conspiracies that can succeed involve very few people.

The reward for creating such a hoax would have to be greater for all involved than they would get by squealing. So what could that reward be in this case?

Forgery is one of possibilities. There were rumours that one of museum employee claimed the ships were set on fire by museum staff to avoid scandal and later dishonour. Reason for hoax might be the fascist character to boast and adapt history in accordance with their propaganda.

There are many hoaxes and forgeries in the history. Many times people pointing out to these forgeries were treated almost as national enemies. You may check the web for USS Constellation forgery as a more recent affair.

By the way I am not telling the Nemi ships are forgery but that there are too many strangenesses around.