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Origin and history

The Autel de la Patrie de Thionville, erected in 1796 Place du Marché (now Claude-Arnould Square), is a rare vestige of the revolutionary altars that survived the First Empire. Commanded by the municipality on 26 Messidor an IV (14 July 1796) to replace a temporary wooden altar, he was executed by mason Mathias Robert for 150 pounds. This neo-classical monument in yellow limestone bears a commemorative inscription: "Established in memory of the Revolution and the conquests of the French people, the 1st salesman year V" (22 September 1796), marking the anniversary of the foundation of the Republic. It also has a Masonic deist symbol, an eye surrounded by rays, evoking knowledge.

His inauguration, reported to the Member of Parliament Merlin de Thionville, was a magnificent ceremony on the 30th Frimaire an V (20 December 1796), mixing military procession, patriotic songs and speeches. An ancient chariot, allegorical goddesses (including that of peace), and midwives presenting newborns symbolized Republican hope. Transferred to Saint Francis Cemetery in 1810 to escape destruction, he was overcome by a cross. In 1948, the municipality relocated him to Claude-Arnould Square, adding the Legion of Honour (1920) and the Cross of War (1948) with the mention "Thionville deserved well of the homeland", during a ceremony chaired by President Vincent Auriol.

Ranked in historical monuments since 15 September 1995, this altar is considered the last of its kind in France. Its iconography and history reflect revolutionary ideals, between secularism, patriotism and Masonic symbolism. The column, originally conceived as a civic gathering place, also illustrates tensions between revolutionary memory and subsequent political adaptations, such as its rescue under the Empire or its re-appropriation after 1945.

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