---
title: Roman Circus of Mérida
author: Carole Raddato
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8833/roman-circus-of-merida/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Roman Circus of Mérida

_Authored by [Carole Raddato](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/FollowingHadrian/)_

## Image File

[![Roman Circus of Mérida](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/8833.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/8833.jpg)

## Image Caption

The [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) [circus](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/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](https://www.worldhistory.org/chariot/) racing, and was modelled on the [Circus Maximus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Circus_Maximus/) in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/). Measuring 440 metres (1140 feet) in length and 114 metres (374 feet) width, it is one of the largest and best-preserved examples of a Roman circus. It could accommodate up to 30,000 spectators. An inscription suggests that it was restored in the 4th century CE.

## About the Author

Carole maintains the popular ancient history photo-blog Following Hadrian, where she travels the ancient world in the footsteps of Emperor Hadrian.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/FollowingHadrian)
- [X/Twitter Profile](https://twitter.com/carolemadge)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Raddato, C. (2018, May 31). Roman Circus of Mérida. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8833/roman-circus-of-merida/>
### Chicago
Raddato, Carole. "Roman Circus of Mérida." *World History Encyclopedia*, May 31, 2018. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8833/roman-circus-of-merida/>.
### MLA
Raddato, Carole. "Roman Circus of Mérida." *World History Encyclopedia*, 31 May 2018, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8833/roman-circus-of-merida/>.

## License & Copyright

[![copyright source](/images/partners/white-flickr.png)](https://www.flickr.com/photos/carolemage/42406057252/in/album-72157625381776044/)This image was first published on [Flickr](http://www.flickr.com). [Original image](https://www.flickr.com/photos/carolemage/42406057252/in/album-72157625381776044/) by **[Carole Raddato](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/FollowingHadrian/ "User Page: Carole Raddato")**. Submitted by [Carole Raddato](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/FollowingHadrian/ "User Page: Carole Raddato"), published on 31 May 2018. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.