Archaeologists Use Laser Technology to Restore Rome’s Column of Marcus Aurelius

Archaeologists in Rome are employing advanced laser technology to restore the ancient Column of Marcus Aurelius, a significant monument that has stood for nearly 1,840 years. This restoration effort, which began in March 2023, aims to remove decades of pollution and grime from the column, revealing the pristine white Carrara marble underneath. The project is set to complete in early 2024, with a total budget of €2 million (approximately $2.3 million).

Innovative Techniques for Historic Preservation

Using hand-held lasers, restorers are able to focus beams of light onto the stone surface, generating heat that lifts away black deposits of dirt and pollution. Marta Baumgartner, the lead architect for the project, explained, “It is the same principle of a doctor removing unwanted hair or skin. The laser is producing excellent results in the restoration, and we have chosen to use it on the entire external frieze of the column.”

The spiral frieze carved around AD 180 wraps 23 times around the shaft of the column, reaching a height of almost 40 metres (130 feet). It features over 2,000 figures, including gods, soldiers, and various beasts, with Emperor Aurelius depicted in several scenes. This intricate artwork illustrates the brutality of warfare, providing historians with crucial insights into this period of Roman history.

Funding and Historical Significance

The restoration work is being financed through low-interest loans and grants from the European Union, aimed at supporting Italy’s recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Baumgartner noted, “We received this substantial funding, so it was an opportunity that absolutely could not be missed.”

The original restoration of the column was conducted by Pope Sixtus V in the late 16th century, during which the original statue of Aurelius was replaced with a statue of St. Paul, which remains in place today. The most recent cleaning prior to the current effort took place in the 1980s; however, ongoing exposure to the elements has left the marble in need of further attention. Conservators have identified areas where the marble is beginning to detach, necessitating immediate stabilization measures.

Baumgartner expressed hope that the ongoing monitoring of the column will prevent future deterioration. “Hopefully, there will be no surprises in future. It will now be constantly monitored, and we can intervene when needed,” she stated.

As the laser cleaning progresses, the Column of Marcus Aurelius will not only continue to stand as a historical monument but will also reflect the ongoing commitment to preserving cultural heritage in Rome.