Located
in the city of Rome, this was the largest
racing track of its day. Races were held
in a “circus” (or circle),
so named because of its round shape, and
the word “maximus” refers
to the fact that it is the largest of
its kind. Originally there was no single
main building, just a flat sandy track
with temporary markers; spectators sat
on the hill slopes on either side of the
track. Gradually the area developed into
a well-maintained stadium-style building
with a central divider, starting gates
at one end and an arch at the other, surrounded
on three sides by stands.
Horse races were often deadly in ancient
Rome, which knowing ancient Romans drew
an even larger crowd. Romans would bet
on which horses would finish first (a
practice that is still very popular in
many parts of the world today). Most Roman
charioteers began their “careers”
as slaves, those who were successful soon
accumulated enough money to buy their
freedom. Many chose this fate rather than
face the lions or other slaves in the
gladiatorial ring.
By
the time of Augustus, the building was
620 meters long and about 140-150 meters
at its widest point; its seating capacity
was approximately 150,000 spectators.
In the centre of the circus was a long
strip around which the horses raced. This
was studded with trophies of the conquests
of the Roman Empire, including statues
and figures from countries such as Egypt
and Spain.
Like its sister building, the Colosseum,
the Circus Maximus was built to keep the
common Romans occupied. Bread was often
given out for free during a race, along
with free admission to future races. Romans
who were having fun watching horses and
men crash about didn’t riot and
didn’t try to kill their rulers.
The famous phrase “bread and circuses”
has become proverbial to describe those
who give away significant rights in exchange
for material pleasures or those who allow
themselves to be lead by the nose.
Circus
Maximus Travel Links |
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