Circus Maximus

Circus Maximus

Green space & remains of a stone & marble arena that could seat 250,000 Romans for chariot races. Today, the Circus Maximus is an archaeological site, and visitors can see the remains of the ancient structure, including parts of the seating area and the spina. The site is occasionally used for public events and concerts. The Circus Maximus was an ancient Roman chariot racing stadium and entertainment venue located in the valley between the Aventine and Palatine hills in Rome. Here are some key details about the Circus Maximus:

1. Purpose: The Circus Maximus was primarily used for chariot racing, one of the most popular and exciting forms of entertainment in ancient Rome. It also hosted other public spectacles and events, such as religious processions, animal hunts, and public executions.
2. Size and Capacity: The Circus Maximus was the largest stadium in ancient Rome, with a length of about 600 meters (1,968 feet) and a width of about 140 meters (460 feet). It could accommodate up to 150,000 spectators, making it a massive venue for public gatherings.
3. Structure: The circus had a distinctive U-shaped structure with a long, central spina (median strip) running down the middle. The spina was adorned with statues, monuments, and obelisks.
4. Seating Arrangement: The seating tiers (cavea) were divided into different sections based on social status, with senators and other dignitaries seated in the lower tiers and the general public in the upper tiers. Wooden stands provided the seating, and awnings were sometimes used to provide shade.
5. Chariot Racing: Chariot racing was the main attraction at the Circus Maximus. Teams, known as factions, represented different colors, and races were fiercely competitive. The most popular factions were the Blues, Greens, Reds, and Whites.
6. Obelisks: The Circus Maximus originally had an Egyptian obelisk at its center, which was later moved to the Piazza del Popolo. Another obelisk, the Obelisco Flaminio, was added during the Renaissance and stands in the Piazza Navona today.
7. Decline: Like many ancient structures, the Circus Maximus fell into disuse and disrepair over the centuries. The materials from the seating tiers were scavenged for use in other construction projects, and much of the circus’s original structure is no longer standing.