The Circus Maximus

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The Circus Maximus

• Aim to know all the facts about chariot racing
  in Ancient Rome.

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Model of the Circus Maximus in Rome.
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It was open air and had a central barrier called
the spina
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A chariot was pulled by 4 horses and the
charioteer was lightly dressed ready for a quick
escape carried a whip a dagger.
This shows the red team. There were 3 other
teams, the blues, the greens the whites. The
Circus Maximus could hold 250,000 people and was
always full as it was such a popular sport.
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There were 7 laps in a race and 24 races a day.
The winner received money and a laurel wreath.
Charioteers were like the film stars of today,
hugely popular. Scopius won 2000 races before
being killed in a crash at the metae(Corners).
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There were 3 posts at each end called the metae
and 12 starting gates called the carceres.
The danger points were the corners and the skill
of the driver and the horses was very important.
The best horses were those on the inside and
outside. They used Arab stallions, well known
for the speed.
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• A day at the races was very thrilling for the
  Romans. It was free to get in and the best seats
  were for the Emperor his guests with women and
  slaves sitting nearest the top, Bets were placed
  and it was the aim of a Roman to become wealthy
  and buy a domus (house).

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In the centre of the spina were the lap counters
which were large eggs (ova). These were turned
when one lap had been completed. In some other
circuses they used large fish as lap counters.
We can compare chariot racing to modern day
Formula 1 Grand Prix racing. We can also
compare they way they came out of gates to modern
day horse racing.
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• The shows were put on by the Emperor or other
  wealthy people who wanted people to vote for them
  in elections. Many Emperors loved chariot racing
  and supported their favourite team. It was a
  lively place to be with people selling food and
  drinks and lots of atmosphere.

A vase depicting a chariot race