The Circus Maximus was the largest stadium in ancient Rome. Popular
chariot races were held here for almost a millennium. At one point the
Circus could seat 250.000 people, one quarter of Rome's population.
Early History
Circus Maximus Today
Chariot races were one of the Roman's most popular forms of
entertainment. Romulus, the first of Rome's seven kings, is said to have
held chariot races.
The origins of the Circus Maximus go back to the 6th century BC when Tarquinius Priscus, the fifth king of Rome, created a track between the Palatine and Aventine hills. The first permanent starting gates were created in 329 BC. In 174 BC the gates were rebuilt and seven wooden eggs were placed on top of the spina, the central wall in the arena. The eggs were used to count the number of laps; after each lap one egg was removed. In 33 BC seven bronze dolphins were added to the spina for the same purpose.
The origins of the Circus Maximus go back to the 6th century BC when Tarquinius Priscus, the fifth king of Rome, created a track between the Palatine and Aventine hills. The first permanent starting gates were created in 329 BC. In 174 BC the gates were rebuilt and seven wooden eggs were placed on top of the spina, the central wall in the arena. The eggs were used to count the number of laps; after each lap one egg was removed. In 33 BC seven bronze dolphins were added to the spina for the same purpose.
Wooden Structures
A fire in 31 BC, the first of three, destroyed the wooden structure. It
was rebuilt by Emperor Augustus who also added an imperial box on the
Palatine Hill. A large obelisk from Heliopolis was added to the spina as
a decoration. The obelisk can now be found at the center of the Piazza del Popolo. Another obelisk was added much later, in the 4th century.
A second fire, in AD 64, which started in wooden shops at the bottom around the track started the fire that burned much of Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero.
A second fire, in AD 64, which started in wooden shops at the bottom around the track started the fire that burned much of Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero.
Scale model of the Circus Maximus in Ancient Rome
The Marble Stadium
After yet another fire the Circus was rebuilt by Trajan in AD 103. The
Roman Empire was at the height of its power and the new Circus Maximus
reflected this status. The Circus was now a stone construction, three
stories high. The lower part of the cavea (seating area) was built in
marble. The arena complex was now more than 600m long and 150m wide
(2000x500ft).
Popular Events
The Circus Maximus was occasionally used for events
such as processions or gladiator combats, but on most days only chariot
races with quadrigaes, pulled by four horses, were held here. The races
themselves were wildly popular with people fanatically supporting one
of the four factions: red, white, green and blue representing summer,
winter, spring and autumn respectively. Bets were laid on one of the
factions and supporters of the different factions often clashed,
sometimes resulting in deaths among the spectators.
The Last Race
The last race at the Circus Maximus was held in AD 549, almost a
millennium after the first races were held at this location. Today only
the layout of the original circus can be seen in what is now a large
grassland. Most of the original structure was used as building material
for medieval and Renaissance constructions.
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