The blocks of stone were roughly hewn at the quarry, before being transported to the construction site where they were definitively cut before being put in place.
This demonstration concerns the cutting of a column pillar,
comparable to the ones extracted from the quarry by Romans.
Following the traditional technique, for which the pencil was not used,
the upper surface is deliberately rubbed
with grass so that the circle traced with a
bow compass can be seen.
The corners are then broken away with a heavy hammer head,
and the beginning of the round part can be started.
When the upper part of the cylinder begins emerging from the massive block of stone,
it is indispensable to clearly define its circular edge
with a sharp chisel and a small sledgehammer.
The architectural elements are adequately prepared and made lighter
before being transported to the Roman construction sites
where they will be definitively cut.