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)
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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
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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)
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