In Ribemont-sur-Ancre, in the Somme, a unique project is bringing a Roman vestige back to life: the reconstruction of a 10 meter high Corinthian columnfrom the temple of the Roman city which occupied the site in the 3rd century. This project is carried out by students from the stone cutting section of the Acheuléen trade school in Amiens, in partnership with Somme Patrimoine. A beautiful blend of education, technology and heritage.
A forgotten Roman city
Nearly 2,000 years ago, Ribemont-sur-Ancre was home to a large Roman city of more than 150 hectareswith a temple dedicated to Mercury, thermal baths, a theater and other buildings. Today, all of this has disappeared underground, but archaeological excavations carried out on site have provided a better understanding of the scale of this historic site. The project “The Columns of Mercury” aims to rebuild a column of the temple to rediscover this ancient city.
A project carried out by students from the Acheuléen trades high school
The Acheuléen trades high school, located in Amiens, trains young people in stone trades, and more particularly in stone cutting. For two years, more than 40 second year studentsfirst and final year are participating in this exceptional project. They have the opportunity to work on the reconstruction of a column, both technical and creative work, with the help of archaeologists and experts in Roman architecture.
On-site surveys and digital modeling
The project took place in several stages. First of all, it started with visits to the archaeological site of Ribemont-sur-Ancre, where the students carried out existing column readings. From these readings, they used software to create a digital model of the column. These digital drawings made it possible to visualize and test the dimensions and shapes of the column before moving on to manufacturing.
3D printing and stone cutting
One of the innovative steps of this project was the use of 3D printing. Each student created a digital model of the base of the column, which they then 3D printed. This made it possible to test the column design and adjust the dimensions.
The high school also acquired a 5-axis stone cutting machine, financed by the Hauts-de-France Region. This machine allows you to cut stone blocks following digital plans with great precision. The students were able to use this machine to cut the different elements of the column, a job that combines traditional know-how and modern technologies.
Installation of the column on site
December 19, 2024the first stone of the column was installed on the Ribemont-sur-Ancre site. The column, once completed, measures 10 meters high and weighs 13 tonnes. This reconstruction is not limited to the column itself, but is part of a broader project to promote the site. The goal is to create a route that will allow visitors to discover the history of the Roman city through modern tools such as virtual reality and interactive tours.
Support from partners
This project is made possible thanks to the support of several stakeholders. The Crédit Agricole Brie Picardie Foundation donated 30,000 euros to finance the materials, tools and installation of the column on the site. The Somme Departmental Council, owner of the site, finances the studies prior to the development of the land. Finally, Somme Patrimoine is responsible for coordinating the project and the necessary studies before implementing the structures.
An educational and cultural project for French heritage
The reconstruction of the Corinthian column in Ribemont-sur-Ancre is much more than a simple reconstruction of a historical monument. It's a educational project which allows young people to train in heritage professions while working on a concrete site. It is also a cultural project which will allow the region to rediscover its Roman past, while using modern technologies to make history more accessible.
The project should attract many visitors thanks to the implementation of an innovative tour route, which will combine history and immersive technologies. Beyond the restoration of a simple monument, this project makes it possible to forge links between the past and the present, and to transmit a living heritage to future generations.
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