What was the Circus Maximus and what was it used for?
The Circus Maximus (Latin for “largest circus”; Italian: Circo Massimo) is an ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium and mass entertainment venue in Rome, Italy. In its fully developed form, it became the model for circuses throughout the Roman Empire. The site is now a public park.
What is unique about the Circus Maximus?
The Circus Maximus was colossal in size, featuring stone walls that surrounded a racing track that was over 500metres long. The track itself would have been covered in sand with starting gates at one end ready to release their competitors into the stadium.
What materials were used in the Circus Maximus?
The Circus Maximus was built during the 6th century BCE, over 2,500 years ago. It was originally built out of wood, but after burning down a couple of times, the Romans rebuilt it using concrete and marble.
When was Circus Maximus created?
6th century BCE
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.
What remains of the Circus Maximus?
A large oval racetrack also remains, which you can walk around. Whilst the Circus Maximus might not have as many remaining ruins as Palatine Hill or the Roman Forum, a little imagination and you’ll be standing in one of the greatest stadiums ever built.
Why was Circus Maximus created?
Use: The Circus was built mainly for entertainment purposes. The most popular event held at the site was the chariot race which was witnessed by a huge crowd. Apart from the chariot racing, the stadium was also used for the celebration of religious events and holding public games during festivals.
What was the original structure of Circus Maximus made of?
wood
For centuries, the circus was constructed of wood. The first stone version was built in the second century B.C. It was rebuilt and modified many times. By the high Empire, the racetrack could hold an estimated 150,000 spectators.
How many arches were on the Circus Maximus?
Circus Maximus – The Building: In the reign of Julius Caesar, the Circus of Maximus measured 621m in length and 118m in width. It could accommodate over 150,000 spectators. Julius Caesar, while rebuilding Circus Maximus, built 12 arches (carceres) for chariots at the open end of the track.
Who started the Circus Maximus?
Tarquinius Priscus
The races took place on either side of a brook that ran between the Aventine and Palatine hills, and it was in the middle of this valley that the Circus Maximus traditionally was thought to have been founded in the sixth century BC by Tarquinius Priscus, the fifth king of Rome (Livy, I. 35).
What was in the center of the Circus Maximus?
The Circus Maximus had the following main features: The track, originally covered in sand and measuring 540 x 80 m. 12 starting gates (carceres) for chariots arranged in an arc at the open end of the track. A decorated barrier (spina or euripus) complete with obelisks running down the centre of the track.
What does the Circus Maximus look like today?
Today the Circus Maximus doesn’t look like much, it is a large grassy space between the Palatine hill and the Aventine hill. It is difficult to imagine that this big field was once a huge stadium that held a quarter of Rome’s population for, one of the most popular games in Ancient Rome – chariot racing.