The Project
“Mules-of-Marius” is what Roman legionaries were called after the reforms of General Marius, who ordered that legionaries would have to carry their baggage by themselves.
„Mules-of-Marius” was originally designed as a small travelling exhibition for schools. It was designed to foster the imagination and curiosity of pupils and teachers alike. With the support of many enthusiasts and based on valuable academic advice, the exhibition grew rapidly. Since 2015 it is exclusively presented in museums.
Inspiration, not Explanation
The original idea behind the exhibition for schools was to explain very little. Instead, teachers and pupils would need to team up and find out answers by themselves. The objects of the exhibition, impressive by their size and the way they would be presented, were intented to inspire. Rather than in a traditional format, the exhibition was originally organized in 6 interactive “stations”, in classrooms and schoolyards alike, and would involve activities targeted at engaging both, pupils AND teachers. Activities would include hands-on tasks like cleaning armor or cooking a simple legionary’s meal , but also abstract tasks like organizing a part of the Roman Army as Tribune or a single century as a “simple” Centurion. Pupils got inspired and teachers heavily engaged in teaming up with pupils. History is exciting when you want to gain power as Julius Ceasar, or when you need to deal with external threats as emperor Marc Aurel .. or when you are suddenly part of their army and get engaged.
About Myself
My name is Thomas Kurtz. I work in Munich for a financial asset management company. I started the travelling exhibition for schools in 2012, because both of my children were often frustrated by the way history is taught at school, bored by the way history is often presented in museums. The exhibition turned out to be a success. The exhibition expanded significantly in 2014 and 2015 with the help of many enthusiasts and was presented to an international congress of archaeologists in Regensburg (th so called „Limes Congress“).
About Others
Many enthusiasts contributed and continue to contribute to the exhibition.
Among these are:
Dr. Christian Koepfer – Curator, Scientific Concept, Text, Graphic Design
Graham Sumner – Life size illustrations Graham Sumner Illustrator
Joerg Schmaeling – High quality and authentic tin figurines Art Miniaturen
Patrick Ullrich – Dioramas March, Ala and others Geschichte in Miniaturen
Friedrich Höchsmann – Dioramas Camp and others
Detlef Rohnstein – Wooden Technical Models Modellbau Quedlinburg
Michael Volquarts – Painting of 50 mm figurines Michael Volquarts