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Circus Maximus
Definition by Mark Cartwright

Circus Maximus

The Circus Maximus was a chariot racetrack in Rome constructed in the 6th century BCE. Used for other events such as the Roman Games and gladiator fights, it last hosted chariot races in the 6th century. Partially excavated in the 20th century...
Chariot Racing in Ancient Rome
Article by Laura Kate C. McCormack

Chariot Racing in Ancient Rome

Chariot racing was very big business in ancient Rome. There was a whole industry built around the factions, the four professional stables known by their team colour – Blue, Green, Red, and White –, providing all that was required for a race...
Circus of Maxentius, Spina
Image by Carole Raddato

Circus of Maxentius, Spina

The Circus of Maxentius is the best-preserved Roman circus in Rome and is second only in size to the Circus Maximus. It lies outside the city, between the second and third milestones along the Appian Way (Via Appia). This circus was part...
Circus of Maxentius, Towers and Starting Gates
Image by Carole Raddato

Circus of Maxentius, Towers and Starting Gates

The Circus of Maxentius is the best-preserved Roman circus in Rome and is second only in size to the Circus Maximus. It lies outside the city, between the second and third milestones along the Appian Way (Via Appia). This circus was part...
Roman Circus of Mérida
Image by Carole Raddato

Roman Circus of Mérida

The Roman circus of Augusta Emerita is a ruined Roman circus in Mérida (Spain). Inaugurated in the first quarter of the first century CE, it was used for chariot racing, and was modelled on the Circus Maximus in Rome. Measuring 440 metres...
Sestertius Commemorating Trajan's Rebuilding of the Circus Maximus
Image by Yale University Art Gallery

Sestertius Commemorating Trajan's Rebuilding of the Circus Maximus

Sestertius commemorating Trajan's rebuilding of the Circus Maximus, showing the Arch of Titus (not to be confused with the Arch of Titus built over the Via Sacra), which looks down from the upper left, quadrigae (four-horse chariots) surmounting...
Circus Mosaic from Lugdunum
Image by Carole Raddato

Circus Mosaic from Lugdunum

The restored Circus Mosaic from Lugdunum (modern Lyon, France), 2nd century CE. It vividly depicts a chariot race with eight chariots competing, two from each faction. The four teams, known by the colours worn by the charioteers (blue, green...
Circus Maximus Reconstruction
Image by B. Fletcher

Circus Maximus Reconstruction

An illustration of what the Circus Maximus chariot track of Rome might have looked like. The Circus Maximus dates back to the 6th century BCE but was at its most splendid in the 1st century CE when it had a capacity for 250,000 spectators...
Circus Maximus [Present Day]
Image by Mark Cartwright

Circus Maximus [Present Day]

The view of Rome's Circus Maximus in the present day. The original circus lies 9 m below ground level and was first laid out in the 6th century BCE. The present site was remodelled in the 1930s CE to resemble the original.
Roman Games, Chariot Races & Spectacle
Article by Mark Cartwright

Roman Games, Chariot Races & Spectacle

If there was one thing the Roman people loved it was spectacle and the opportunity of escapism offered by weird and wonderful public shows which assaulted the senses and ratcheted up the emotions. Roman rulers knew this well and so to increase...
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