Lasers Restore Ancient Roman Column of Marcus Aurelius

High-Tech Laser Cleaning of Historic Monument

• 💡 A historic monument in Rome, the Column of Marcus Aurelius, is undergoing restoration using advanced handheld lasers.
• 🎯 This technique is employed to meticulously peel away decades of grime and pollution deposits.
• ✨ The laser's heat effectively lifts black pollution, revealing the white Carrara marble beneath.

Preserving Marble and Natural Aging

• ✅ The laser cleaning process ensures full respect for the marble material itself.
• ⏳ It also preserves the oxalate patinas, which are evidence of the stone's natural aging and are considered essential to maintain.
• 🔬 This method safeguards not only the material's integrity but also its natural aging characteristics.

The Column of Marcus Aurelius

• 🏛️ Carved around 180 AD, the column stands 40 meters tall and features over 2,000 figures, depicting Emperor Aurelius's victories over barbarian tribes.
• 📍 It is a rare surviving example of its type, still standing in its original location.

Restoration Project Details

• 🧼 The column was last cleaned using traditional methods in the 1980s, a process that led to some marble detachment.
• 🗓️ The current restoration, which began in March and is funded by the EU, is expected to conclude early next year.
• 💰 The project has a total cost of 2.3 million.