Restorer Mariangela Santella uses a short-pulse laser to selectively remove encrustations from the surface of a bas-relief on the second-century A.D. Column of Marcus Aurelius in central Rome, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
Video Ad Feedback
See the high-tech processes used to clean this ancient marble column in Rome

Built between 180 CE and 193 CE, and still standing in the center of Rome, the 100-foot Column of Marcus Aurelius depicts military campaigns fought by the Roman emperor in detailed carvings. CNN's Ben Wedeman visited the site to see how a team of 18 specialists have been using high-tech lasers to restore the ancient monument, with work due to be completed in early 2026.

1:52 • Source: CNN
Best of Travel 9 videos
Restorer Mariangela Santella uses a short-pulse laser to selectively remove encrustations from the surface of a bas-relief on the second-century A.D. Column of Marcus Aurelius in central Rome, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
Video Ad Feedback
See the high-tech processes used to clean this ancient marble column in Rome
01:52
Now playing
• Source: CNN
nonna2.jpg
Video Ad Feedback
TikTok 'granfluencer' shows us how to make her favorite pasta dish
03:19
Now playing
• Source: CNN
OnLocation_Odyssey_2.jpg
Video Ad Feedback
Traveling back to Ancient Greece, but in Scotland
02:49
Now playing
• Source: CNN
Master 03.00_01_36_14.Still003.jpg
Video Ad Feedback
Can we build better to live longer?
01:30
Now playing
• Source: CNN
Climbers compete at the 2026 Cheung Chau bun scrambling competition in Hong Kong
Video Ad Feedback
Hong Kong is home to a unique festival of buns
01:47
Now playing
• Source: CNN
2000294 CNN K-Everything_JMP 11.21
Video Ad Feedback
'This is the kind of dish that fine dining is about': The rapid rise of high-end South Korean cuisine
02:12
Now playing
• Source: CNN
Screenshot 2026-07-03 at 7.02.20 AM.png
Video Ad Feedback
The wild west movie ranch Hollywood rides through again and again
02:57
Now playing
• Source: CNN
<p>Sarasota is the arts and cultural capital of Florida. Entertainers from around the world come to this hot spot to perform and celebrate the rich circus legacy. Dating back to 1927, The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus made this beach town the circus's winter home, and it's been thriving ever since.</p>
Video Ad Feedback
Welcome to the circus capital of the world
02:30
Now playing
• Source: CNN
The American Declaration of Independence adopted by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia with the future 1st President of the United States of America, George Washington present. Original Artwork: Engraving after a painting by John Trumbull. (Photo by Rischgitz/Getty Images)
Video Ad Feedback
The wild weeks-long journey that broke news of US independence to Britain
03:45
Now playing
• Source: CNN