In August 2024, the S.P.Q.R. – Schools and People of Europe project organized its second Learning, Teaching, and Training (LTT) event at the historical site of Römerstadt Carnuntum in Austria. Known for its significant role in the ancient Roman Empire, Carnuntum served as the perfect backdrop for this immersive educational experience, bringing together students, teachers, and history enthusiasts to relive the grandeur of Roman civilization.
A Journey Back in Time
The second LTT event, LTT2, focused on immersing participants in the world of Roman military strategies, governance, and daily life. With meticulously prepared scenarios, the participants took on roles as Roman citizens, soldiers, and senators, reenacting key moments from the height of the Roman Empire. This event not only provided a hands-on learning experience but also deepened participants' understanding of Roman culture and its influence on modern European society.
The selection of Carnuntum as the location was no coincidence. As an ancient Roman military camp and city, Carnuntum once housed a population of 50,000 people and served as a significant strategic and economic hub of the Roman Empire. Recreating history in this authentic environment added a special layer of realism and historical accuracy to the event.
Participants and Their Roles
Participants from the project’s partner countries, including Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium, Romania, and Hungary, actively took part in the reenactments. The event was designed to be fully participatory, allowing students to step into the shoes of historical figures and experience Roman life firsthand. Teachers played a crucial role in guiding their students through the educational content, ensuring that every participant gained a deeper understanding of the topics being reenacted.
Moreover, local historians and experts from Carnuntum enriched the event with their knowledge and expertise, providing insights into the daily lives of Romans and the military strategies employed during battles. This blend of historical education and hands-on learning made the event a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.
Learning Through Immersion
LTT2 went beyond traditional classroom teaching by integrating immersive learning methods such as historical reenactments and 360° video technology. Students were not merely passive observers; they were part of the action, participating in the decision-making of Roman senators, feeling the discipline of a Roman soldier, and engaging in debates on the governance of the Roman Republic.
The scenarios used in LTT2 were carefully developed to align with the educational objectives of the project, which focuses on integrating Roman history and civic education into school curricula. The scenarios included pivotal moments in Roman history, such as military drills, governance meetings in the Senate, and the daily activities of Roman citizens. These scenes were captured using 360° cameras, which will later be processed to create Open Educational Resources (OERs), allowing future students to experience the reenactments through virtual reality (VR) on the IEDU360 platform.
Technology Meets History
One of the most innovative aspects of LTT2 was the use of modern technology to capture these historical moments. The event was filmed using 360° cameras, ensuring that every angle of the reenactments was documented. This footage will be processed into VR content, allowing students from across Europe to participate in these reenactments virtually, long after the event has ended.
The integration of this technology aligns with the project’s broader goals of making history more engaging and accessible through digital learning tools. By combining historical reenactments with cutting-edge VR technology, LTT2 has set a new standard for immersive learning experiences in schools.
Impact and Legacy
The success of LTT2 lies not only in the immersive experiences it provided but also in the educational resources it will leave behind. The 360° footage captured during the event will soon be available on the IEDU360 platform, allowing students from all over Europe to experience Roman history in a way that textbooks alone could never achieve.
Furthermore, the event has strengthened ties between the project partners, fostering a sense of shared purpose and cooperation among the countries involved. Teachers and students alike walked away from the event with a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of European history and a better understanding of how ancient Roman values continue to influence modern society.
Looking Forward
As the S.P.Q.R. – Schools and People of Europe project moves forward, the lessons learned from LTT2 will serve as a foundation for future educational initiatives. With one more year of the project remaining, the focus now shifts to processing the footage, finalizing the educational resources, and integrating them into the IEDU360 platform. By March 2025, the OERs from LTT1 and LTT2 will be ready for use by schools across Europe, marking a significant milestone in the project’s mission to bring history to life through innovative educational tools.
LTT2 in Carnuntum was a powerful example of how history and technology can come together to create unforgettable learning experiences. By immersing students in the world of Roman history and utilizing cutting-edge VR technology, the S.P.Q.R. project is paving the way for a new era of engaging and interactive education.
Stay tuned for more updates on the S.P.Q.R. project as we continue our journey to revolutionize history education across Europe!
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