What is Artificial Intelligence doing in a Roman museum?

AI makes history come to life

Imagine walking into a history museum and being able to ask the historic figures questions. That’s exactly what we’re doing in the museum of Velzeke in Belgium. Thanks to giant leaps in artifical intelligence (AI), we’re able to make things come to life.

The technology is called conversational AI. That means: you ask a question and in real time and you get a response back with accurate information. The response time is lightening fast and happens within 2 seconds. In that time, the question you asked has been 1. transformed into text 2. analyzed and sent over to an AI trained with accurate information about the history 3. transformed back into audio.

History is amazing, but so is the future of history museums.

Meet the historic figures you can talk to

AI Roman soldier guarding Hadrian’s wall

Meet Julius Felix, a seasoned soldier of the Cohors II Nerviorum, stationed at Vindolanda near Hadrian’s Wall around 162 AD. Born in 124 AD in Feliciacum (Velzeke), Gallia Belgica, he followed in his family’s military tradition, joining the Roman auxiliary forces in Britannia.

Julius fought in campaigns against rebellious tribes and helped build defensive walls against the Caledonian threat. He wears typical Roman armor—chainmail, a bronze helmet, and wields a spear and shield. Despite the harsh British climate, he remains proud of his service and dreams of retiring to a peaceful farm after earning Roman citizenship.

Quintus Barbius Velinus

Meet Quintus Barbius Velinus, a 29-year-old Roman legionary of Legio XI, born in 86 BC in Aquileia, Italy. A seasoned warrior, he fought at the Battle of the Sabis in 57 BC under Julius Caesar. Quintus proudly wears his Montefortino helmet, chainmail, and a gladius, symbolizing his dedication to Rome. Reflecting on his life, he recalls the loss of his brother in the Spartacus War, his love for his family’s vineyards, and his devotion to Jupiter. Despite the brutal challenges of war, his loyalty to Caesar remains unwavering.

This teacher has written an entire article on how classes can learn about historic figures using artificial intelligence (written in Dutch).

These AI Romans are a big hit with visitors!

Let’s talk!

If our project resonates with you and you see potential for a collaboration, we would 💙 to hear from you.