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Origin and history

The Roman pile of Labarthe-Rivière, also known as "Tourrac", is a Gallo-Roman funerary monument located on the old road linking Tolosa (Toulouse) to Aquae Tarbellicae (Dax). Its exceptional state of conservation makes it possible to estimate its initial height at more than 11 meters, almost intact today. Built in opus caementicium covered with an opus vittatum trimming, it consists of a square base surmounted by a quadrangular pyramid, with a southern niche probably housing a statue of the deceased.

Ranked a historical monument in 1905, the pile probably dates back to the 1st or 2nd century, although no archaeological evidence confirms this dating. It was mentioned in 1814 in the accounts of excursions, but did not appear on Cassini's maps. In 1963, a detailed architectural survey was carried out by the office of ancient architecture of the South-West. Remnants of marble sculptures, including a stone wing possibly from a bird adorning the pyramid, were found nearby.

A second pile, now extinct, existed within 500 metres (or 17 metres according to some sources). His rubble would have served as a embankment for the construction of the railway in 1856. The current pile, without pilasters or visible funeral enclosures, could be the cenotaph of an important character, linked to a nearby villa like Nymfius in Valentine. His drawing appears on the coat of arms of the commune.

The exact function of the monument remains debated: mile terminal, homage to Mercury (protective divinity of travellers), or simply symbolic tomb. No burial was identified at his feet, but his position on the Roman Way and his niche oriented towards it suggest a commemorative role related to travel or commerce.

The monument stands north of RD 33, at the east entrance of the village. In front of him, a building incorporates ancient remains, perhaps thermal baths. The pile is built with characteristic Roman techniques (bull holes, circular cavities of unknown use) and an architectural decoration now gone, with the exception of carved fragments.

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