Talking Romans at History Museum
Bridging the past and the future
Have you ever wondered what life was really like for Roman soldiers stationed on the frontier? At Velzeke’s Archeocentrum, history doesn’t just come alive—it talks back to you!
Two life-sized Roman figures, Julius Felix and Quintus Barbius Velinus, have been given voices thanks to our AI technology. It enables visitors to directly converse with historical figures, transforming an ordinary museum visit into an interactive, personal experience.
news bulletin about the opening
making people interested in history
Meet the Talking Romans
1. Julius Felix
Julius Felix, a soldier of the Cohors II Nerviorum, stands guard at Vindolanda in Britannia in 162 AD. Armed with his heavy mail armor, distinctive shield bearing Jupiter’s lightning bolts, and accompanied by his clever raven, Brana, Julius brings the struggles and camaraderie of military life vividly to life. Visitors frequently ask him questions like, “What did you have for lunch?” and “What’s with the raven on your shoulder?” Through Julius, guests gain unique insights into the day-to-day realities of a Roman auxiliary soldier—right down to the discomfort of wet sandals and the taste of British beer.
How does it work?
It takes input via a microphone. You hold a button while you speak. You can get a response in < 2 seconds.
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2. Quintus Barbius Velinus
Standing nearby is Quintus Barbius Velinus, a legionary born in 86 BC, battle-hardened from Julius Caesar’s campaigns. With a decorated Spanish belt and a silver ring commemorating his fallen brother, Quintus provides a poignant reflection on the cost of Rome’s glory. Visitors are fascinated by personal details, often wondering aloud about Quintus’s family back home, or asking heartfelt questions such as, “Do you like Julius Caesar?” or “What’s it like standing guard all day?”
What questions do visitors ask?
We log all questions visitors ask. This allows us to analyze what visitors ask these Romans. Below is a breakdown based on 9000 question to Julius Felix over a 7 month period. We also noticed that most people ask multiple questions (about 4 on average). Below is a breakdown of what type of questions visitors asked:
What visitors love about it:
Real Conversations, Real Connections: By speaking directly to historical characters, visitors get authentic, relatable insights. They don’t just read about history—they actively engage with it.
Personal and Memorable: Conversations often venture into the personal lives of these soldiers, making historical figures feel tangible and relatable. It’s not unusual for a visitor to leave with a lasting memory of a Roman soldier’s family stories or food preferences.
Fun and Educational: The interactivity bridges past and future, allowing people of all ages to experience history in a fun and intuitive way. It encourages curiosity and deeper exploration.
Added Museum Value: This groundbreaking approach enriches museum offerings by turning static exhibits into dynamic learning experiences. Visitors leave with enriched perspectives and museums gain valuable insights into visitor interests through anonymized interaction logs.
Velzeke’s talking Romans represent not just a technological leap, but an imaginative step forward in how we experience history.
Let's talk!
If our project resonates with you and you see potential for a collaboration, we would 💙 to hear from you.