It was situated between the Palatine and Avatine Hill and was a permanent structure of vast size.
It was estimated to have been able to seat 250,000 people.
The seats were closely packed and men and women would be mixed.
Like the Colosseum, lower seats were made of marble and were reserved for leading senators. The second tier was wooden and the top tier would only have room to stand.
The Circus Maximus was so huge that the top seats would barely show any of the action.
The track was roughly 550 metres in length.
In the middle of the track, there was a spina (central wall, and at the end of the spina there were meta (turning posts).
Lap markers would be displayed on the spina.
They were decorative and would feature either bronze dolphins or stone eggs.
These would be removed after each lap had been completed.
1 of 3
The Races
Chariot racing appealed to all social classes - from slaves to emperors.
The appeal was enhanced by private bettings as there was no public gambling.
The popularity is reflected in household items decorated with racing motifs.
Usual teams were four horse chariot - two main horses + two 'trace' horses loosely connected to the outside.
The chariots were designed to be as small and lightweight as possible.
Military chariots = larger + often reinforced with metal, racing chariots = wooden + little support/protection for charioteers - the skill/bravery were respected.
Charioteers would dress in team colours.
Began with a signal from a presiding magistrate/senator with a white cloth.
Slaves opened gates, racers came out of carceres (wooden starting blocks).
Reigns wrapped around bodies and they aimed to be close to the central spina.
The turn was the most crucial part so drivers would aim for the best line.
Drivers aimed to graze stone blocks with his chariot but too sharp a collision threw the charioteer out of the chariot and he'd be dragged behind his horses.
The tension would build until the final sprint.
2 of 3
The Races 2
A storm of applause would greet the winner and supporters for his colour would go wild in the stands.
When the race was over, the presiding magistrate ceremoniously presented the winner with a palm branch and wreath while crowds cheered wildly.
Larger rewards for stable and driver would be presented later.
Most charioteers were slaves/freedmen but, if successful, received gifts and high salaries from the managers of the different 'colours'.
These teams would have a huge staff of trainers, grooms and saddlers.
Best charioteers could sell their services to the team paying the highest fee.
The most successful drivers were wealth and idolisation by the Roman public.
Diocles (rider) retired after 4,257 races/1,462 victories. Earned 35mil sesterces.
Like the racers, horses were admired for their speed, bravery, and determination.
Team managers paid high salaries if they brought success for their 'colours'
Comments
No comments have yet been made