Lorenz Hafner: Experience history alive - Abtsgmünd's history expert!

Lorenz Hafner: Experience history alive - Abtsgmünd's history expert!

What's new from Abtsgmünd? A young historian,Lorenz Hafner, brings a breath of fresh air to the teaching of history. The 29-year-old studied “Global History” in Heidelberg and now shows in a fascinating way how the past comes to life. Using authentic costumes and participating in historical groups, he depicts life on the Limes in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. He made his first appearance in a Roman tunic that he borrowed from a friend. Since then he has developed further and is now a sought-after actor at history events.

Hafner successfully took part in various events, including a historical festival in Hechingen and the “Natale di Roma” in Rome, where he experienced the exciting Roman culture up close. He also plans to bring the post-war period of 1947 to life in the Wackershofen open-air museum. The young historian believes that it is important to teach history interactively and incorporate various objects to give people a better understanding of the past.

Experience history in real life

Hafner describes the challenge of wearing authentic armor as significant, as it can consist of up to 30,000 rings. This shows the enormous effort that goes into the historical representations. Hafner is not squeamish when it comes to criticizing current historical films, as he often sees a discrepancy between real history and cinematic representation. He also represents these opinions in his political role, where he works for the SPD/Active Citizens faction in the Abtsgmünd municipal council.

His passion for history runs through his entire life. He is currently doing a traineeship at the Hällisch-Fränkisches Museum in Schwäbisch Hall, where he can gain further experience. “Democracy and the lessons of history are two of my central concerns,” says Hafner. He also wants to raise awareness of these issues in his community.

The legacy of antiquity

Hafner is heavily involved in historical associations and impresses with his knowledge. An impressive work that reflects his perspectives comes from his father, Professor German Hafner, whose book analyzes the cultural and artistic developments in Italy, Greece and the Orient over twelve centuries. It illuminates how the Romans integrated cultural elements of the conquered peoples, particularly the Greeks and Etruscans, which spurred Italy's development into an artistic entity. Rome itself played a central role as a cultural center.

This analytical paper also looks at ancient art, which often takes up topics such as dancers, wrestlers, warriors and gods. These cultural insights help keep the legacy of antiquity alive and inspire people of all ages to learn about history.

The fact is that the connection between past and present at events such as the Roman festival in Carnuntum is impressively illustrated where legionnaires in full armor authentically recreate what happened 2,000 years ago. An experience that not only gives the audience but also the actors a unique feeling for the story.

With his commitment, Lorenz Hafner gives history a face and creates access to the past that could become a passion for many. After all, it is precisely this lively communication that can awaken interest in historical topics for the coming generation.