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In 2005, the pieces of an ancient monument were flown back to Ethiopia, having been stolen by Italy.

The Obelisk of Axum, built around 1,700 years ago, was 24-metres (78 feet) high and weighed around 160 tons.

It was looted from Ethiopia on the orders of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini.

He had it re-erected in Rome outside the former Ministry of the Colonies building near Circus Maximus.

Despite a pledge to the United Nations in 1947 to return all plundered goods, it took nearly 60 years for Italy to return the stele.

Architect Michele Daniele was one of those involved in dismantling, transporting and re-erecting the tower.

He tells Vicky Farncombe about the 鈥渉ardest days鈥� of his career.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

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(Photo: The Obelisk of Axum being re-erected in Ethiopia. Credit: Getty Images)