New Kalkriese Museum Features Varus Battle, Excavation of Ancient Battlefield; Unique in Europe

4/18/2002

From: Gisela Soger of Varusschlacht im Osnabrucker Land GmbH, (011) 05468 9204-17; E-mail: Gisela.Soeger@kalkriese-varusschlacht.de.

BRAMSCHE-KALKRIESE, Germany, April 18 -- In the year 9 AD, European history took a decisive turn. Archaeological excavations have proved that Kalkriese, near Osnabruck, is the site of the legendary Varus Battle or Battle of Teutoburg Forest. The new Kalkriese Museum, which was designed by the Swiss avant-garde architects Annette Gigon and Mike Guyer, will open on Sunday, April 21 at 10 a.m. and feature the Varus Battle in a fascinating display. The momentous defeat of the occupying Roman legions inflicted by the insurgent Teutonic tribes in a bloody battle ushered in the end of Roman rule in Gaul and Europe.

During the summer of 1987, the British amateur archaeologist, Major Tony Clunn, discovered a Roman treasure of coins in Kalkriese and, in so doing, pinpointed the historic battle site. Extensive excavations were subsequently conducted. Thus far, almost 6,000 unearthed objects bear witness to fierce combat between Roman legions and Teutonic tribes. For more than 10 years, Kalkriese has ranked among Europe's most important archaeological excavation sites.

An exceptional place requires exceptional architecture; therefore, the museum complex designed by the architects Annette Gigon and Mike Guyer blends in perfectly with the surrounding landscape that is steeped in history. The central building is connected to the battlefield by three pavilions on the site. The Swiss architects, who have received many awards, set great store by clearly defined forms, without creating dramatic effects. The museum is suspended on narrow stilts above the ground and the tower, which measures around 40 metres in height, is a landmark that directs the onlooker's gaze towards the site of the historic encounter. In keeping with the fragments of armour and weapons discovered, the museum complex and pavilions have been clad in iron.

In the archaeological park designed by the Swiss landscape architects Zulauf und Partner, iron stelae mark out the line of the dyke, behind which the Teutonic warriors lay in waiting for Varus' troupes. A section of land outlines the geographical situation that confronted the Roman soldiers -- a narrow sand passage through Teutoburg Forest, defences and moorland. Moreover, science and history are brought to life on the 24-hectare research site, where visitors can peer over archaeologists' shoulders as they work.

An understanding of crime detection is required at the exhibition. Detective Stahnke, a fictitious character created by the crime writer Peter Gerdes, leads visitors along a path of discovery from the spot where the first Roman coins were found to the present excavation site. All clues lead to the site of the Varus Battle. The Babelsberg Studio in Potsdam, the Integral Concept agency in Paris and the multimedia specialists 'jangled nerves' in Stuttgart (awarded a prize for their DSD 'cyclebowl' at EXPO 2000) were among those who contributed to the exhibition's fascinating layout. The contribution from the multimedia specialists enables visitors to suddenly experience 3D-animated Roman soldiers standing right in front of them and feel the ground shaking beneath their feet as the battle rages.

Sigmar Gabriel, Minister President of Lower Saxony, will open the Kalkriese Museum on Sunday, April 21 at 10 a.m. The museum and park will be open from 3 to 8 p.m. on the opening Sunday, and then daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For further information, contact Gisela Soger at Varusschlacht im Osnabrucker Land GmbH, Tel.: 05468/9204-17, Fax: 05468/9204-45. E-mail: Gisela.Soeger@kalkriese-varusschlacht.de.