What was the Circus Maximus made of?
It was originally built out of wood, but after burning down a couple of times, the Romans rebuilt it using concrete and marble. It was a huge stadium. There were circuses all over the Roman Empire, but all racers wanted to race in the Circus Maximus. In the Circus Maximus, attendance was free.
Who built the Circus Maximus in Rome?
In Livy’s history of Rome, it was the Etruscan king Lucius Tarquinius Priscus who built raised wooden seating at the Circus and these were made permanent in 329 BC. Around 50 BC, the Circus Maximus was enlarged under Julius Caesar. The track measured 621 metres long and a canal was cut between the track and seating to protect spectators.
How many people did the Circus Maximus hold?
Built and rebuilt several times, at its largest the Circus Maximus held between 150,000 and 250,000 people and today is a public park. It is unclear as to when the first version of the Circus Maximus was constructed – it was certainly the oldest of Rome’s arenas and served as a model for circuses across the Roman Empire.
Why is the Circus Maximus considered an architectural marvel?
Circus Maximus of Rome was one of the architectural marvels of ancient Rome. The amalgamation of entertainment with architectural elements was put forth gloriously to the world of Architecture. The vision of creating triumph through architecture was very-well achieved in all the construction stages of this building.
What was the original structure of Circus Maximus?
A U-shaped structure with seats on three sides and a low wall running down the middle of the arena around which the chariots raced, it was rebuilt in the time of Julius Caesar (1st century bc) to seat an estimated 150,000 spectators.
Was the Circus Maximus built?
Nestled between the Aventine and Palatine Hills, Circus Maximus was built around the 6th-century BC by order of Lucius Tarquinius Priscus and is the oldest and largest of Rome's public spaces. The stadium was built on the supposed site of the Rape of the Sabine Women.
What were Roman circuses made of?
Dimensions. At its largest during the 1st century CE following its rebuilding after the fire of 64 CE, the Circus had a capacity for 250,000 spectators seated on banks 30 m wide and 28 m high. Seats were in concrete and stone in the lower two tiers and wood for the rest.
What did Julius Caesar construct in the Circus Maximus?
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.
What is a chariot made of?
The wheels and basket of the chariot were usually of wood, strengthened in places with bronze or iron. The wheels had from four to eight spokes and tires of bronze or iron. Due to the widely spaced spokes, the rim of the chariot wheel was held in tension over comparatively large spans.
What does SPQR stand for?
Senatus Populusque RomanusUpon the triumphal arches, the altars, and the coins of Rome, SPQR stood for Senatus Populusque Romanus (the Senate and the Roman people). In antiquity, it was a shorthand means of signifying the entirety of the Roman state by referencing its two component parts: Rome's Senate and her people.
How was Circus Maximus constructed?
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.
What does 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.
Where was the Circus Maximus built?
ancient RomeCircus Maximus was the largest chariot stadium in ancient Rome. The 600 meter long stadium was located between the Palatine and Aventine hill and could accommodate as many as 150,000 spectators.
What was the general shape of a Roman circus?
The performance space of the Roman circus was normally, despite its name, an oblong rectangle of two linear sections of race track, separated by a median strip running along the length of about two thirds the track, joined at one end with a semicircular section and at the other end with an undivided section of track ...
Why was the Circus Maximus rebuilt?
In AD 80, it was rebuilt as a triumphal arch to commemorate the conquest of Judea by Titus. On the spina, itself, were various monuments and shrines, including one to Consus and another to Murcia, who may have been the divinity of the brook over which the Circus was built.
What was the centerpiece of the Circus Maximus?
The Circus is primarily consecrated to the Sun. His temple stands in the middle of it, and his image shines forth from the pediment of the temple. For they did not think it proper to worship beneath a roof a god whom they see above them in the open sky.
What is the Circus Maximus made of?
It was originally built out of wood, but after burning down a couple of times, the Romans rebuilt it using concrete and marble. It was a huge stadium. There were circuses all over the Roman Empire, but all racers wanted to race in the Circus Maximus.
What made the Circus Maximus so unique?
It was a place where chariot races were held as well as other mass entertainment shows. It was the first and largest stadium in ancient Rome and other circuses were modeled after it. Today, a place where Circus Maximus stood is a public park. Ancient city of Rome was built on seven hills.
How was Circus Maximus created?
The history of Circus Maximus Nestled between the Aventine and Palatine Hills, Circus Maximus was built around the 6 th -century BC by order of Lucius Tarquinius Priscus and is the oldest and largest of Rome’s public spaces. The stadium was built on the supposed site of the Rape of the Sabine Women.
Does the Circus Maximus still exist?
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.
Is Circus Maximus still standing?
After 549 the Circus Maximus was never used again. It was taken apart hundreds of years ago much like the Colosseum for its precious marble. The rest was destroyed by a fire and only a grassy hollow and a few ruins of bleachers are left of the Circus Maximus.
What does SPQR stand for?
Upon the triumphal arches, the altars, and the coins of Rome, SPQR stood for Senatus Populusque Romanus (the Senate and the Roman people). In antiquity, it was a shorthand means of signifying the entirety of the Roman state by referencing its two component parts: Rome’s Senate and her people.
Who was the most famous Roman charioteer?
Gaius Appuleius Diocles (104 – after 146 AD) was a Roman charioteer who became one of the most celebrated athletes in ancient history. He is often cited as the highest -paid athlete of all time.
Who was responsible for the restoration of Circus Maximus?
Sestertius of Trajan celebrating the restoration of the Circus Maximus (minted 103 AD). The fire damage of 31 was probably repaired by Augustus (Caesar's successor and Rome's first emperor). He modestly claimed credit only for an obelisk and pulvinar at the site but both were major projects.
What was the Circus at the time of Catullus?
When no games were being held, the Circus at the time of Catullus (mid-1st century BC) was likely "a dusty open space with shops and booths ... a colourful crowded disreputable area" frequented by "prostitutes, jugglers, fortune tellers and low-class performing artists.".
What happened to the Circus in AD 64?
In AD 64, during Nero 's reign, fire broke out at the semi-circular end of the Circus, swept through the stands and shops, and destroyed much of the city. Games and festivals continued at the Circus, which was rebuilt over several years to the same footprint and design.
What was the central dividing barrier in the Circus?
By the late 1st century AD, the central dividing barrier comprised a series of water basins, or else a single watercourse open in some places and bridged over in others.
What was the Colosseum built for?
By the late 1st century AD, the Colosseum had been built to host most of the city's gladiator shows and smaller beast-hunts, and most track-athletes competed at the purpose-designed Stadium of Domitian , though long-distance foot races were still held at the Circus. Eventually, 135 days of the year were devoted to ludi.
When was the Curule chair built?
In the 190s BC, stone track-side seating was built, exclusively for senators.
Who described the Circus of Halicarnassus?
This is the Circus described by Dionysius of Halicarnassus as "one of the most beautiful and admirable structures in Rome", with "entrances and ascents for the spectators at every shop, so that the countless thousands of people may enter and depart without inconvenience.".
How big is the Circus Maximus?
The Circus Maximus in Rome (Circo Massimo), located between the Aventino and Palatine Hills, was an extended precinct with space for 300,000 spectators. The arena, which measured 600 meters in length and 225 meters in width, made the Circus Maximus the largest in Rome, ahead of the Circus of Flaminius and the Circus of Maxentius.
How many laps did the Circus Maximus take?
In the Circus Maximus several competitions were carried out, standing out among them chariot races, in which participants tried to complete seven laps of the Circus Maximus. The competitors, mounted in small chariots drawn by horses, gambled much more than their prestige or large prizes in the races, since many of them were slaves fighting ...
What was the largest stadium in ancient Rome built for chariot races?
Circus Maximus. Located between the Aventino and Palatine Hill, the Circus Maximus was the largest stadium in ancient Rome built for chariot races. Roman circuses were the most important centres of entertainment in the Roman cities, apart from the theatres and amphitheatres. They were extended precincts in which the public games were held, ...
What was the circus in Rome?
Circus Maximus, park. 2 See photo gallery. Roman circuses were the most important centres of entertainment in the Roman cities, apart from the theatres and amphitheatres. They were extended precincts in which the public games were held, consisting of chariot races and different spectacles. The Circus Maximus in Rome (Circo Massimo), located between ...
What were the public games in Rome called?
During the public games, equestrian exhibitions, known as "Ludus Troiae", also took place. These were a simulation of various famous battles carried out by young Roman aristocrats. There were also foot races that lasted for several hours.
Is Circus Maximus still alive?
Currently, the ruins of what was once the Circus Maximus barely remain. There is only the enormous terrace that keeps the form that it had in its day, which often causes disappointment for tourists who visit it hoping to find at least the ruins of the precinct.
About Circus Maximus
The Circus Maximus or Circo Massimo in Rome was the main and largest sports stadium in Ancient Rome. Overlooked from the north by the emperors’ palaces on the Palatine, this grand arena was the site of exciting chariot races watched by an exhilarated crowd.
Circus Maximus history
It is unclear as to when the first version of the Circus Maximus was constructed – it was certainly the oldest of Rome’s arenas and served as a model for circuses across the Roman Empire.
Circus Maximus today
Today, the Circus Maximus is a shadow of its former magnificence as its original track is now buried 6 metres below the modern surface. Without its Egyptian obelisks and Roman monuments, many see it as just a field.
Getting to the Circus Maximus
Nestled in the valley between the Palatine and Aventine hills, the Circus Maximus is best reached via public transport: the metro B line goes to Circo Maximo, and tram 3 and buses 51, 75, 81, 85, 87 and 118 all stop along the Viale Aventino nearby.
How many stories of seats were there in Circus of Maximus?
After this, the Circus of Maximus had three stories of seats divided by the aisles. Marble seats of the first tier were reserved for senators, while the seats behind them were occupied by the plebeians.
How tall is Circus Maximus?
It reached 25m in height, excluding its base. The base was made of the same material as that of the obelisk i.e granite. Circus Maximus of Rome was one of the architectural marvels of ancient Rome. The amalgamation of entertainment with architectural elements was put forth gloriously to the world of Architecture.
How many spectators could the Circus Maximus hold?
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. Also, tiered seats up to three stories were arranged for the spectators to enjoy the race.
Why did Caesar replace the seats in the arena?
When Julius Caesar reconstructed the arena, the wooden seats were replaced by stone to avoid fire. The tiered seatings that were made, separated senators (high officials) from the plebeians (commoners). In 64 A.D. the shops of the building caught fire which burned much of the building.
What was the central part of the circus arena?
Central Part of the Arena. The circus arena was divided into two tracks with the help of long stretched obstruction called spina. Spina consisted of the conical turning post (metae) placed at each end, along with the post. It had seven egg-shaped markers that were used to keep the track of the race.
What was the third tier of the Circus Maximus?
The seating arrangements of the building was separated by arched doors and walkways, which consisted of balconies above – considered as the third tier reserved for senators. Unlike other entertainment centers of Rome, Circus Maximus allowed all genders to sit together.
What is the Roman arch?
Arches helped Roman builders to construct bigger buildings and long stretched corridors. We can say that the Roman arch is an ancestor of modern day architecture. Current Day Remains of Circus Maximus. (Image by David Mark from Pixabay)
What was the Roman circus made of?
It was originally built out of wood, but after burning down a couple of times, the Romans rebuilt it using concrete and marble. It was a huge stadium. There were circuses all over the Roman Empire, but all racers wanted to race in the Circus Maximus. In the Circus Maximus, attendance was free . Anyone could attend.
What were the Romans' race chariots called?
To end this practice, the Romans built places to race chariots. These were called circuses, and were race tracks. The largest and the best was the Circus Maximus built in the city of Rome.
What was the place where chariot racing was held?
But under the Empire, mass entertainment became specialized. When the Colosseum was built for other events, the Circus Maximus became the place for chariot racing.
Overview
Topography and construction
The Circus Maximus was sited on the level ground of the Valley of Murcia (Vallis Murcia), between Rome's Aventine and Palatine Hills. In Rome's early days, the valley would have been rich agricultural land, prone to flooding from the river Tiber and the stream which divided the valley. The stream was probably bridged at an early date, at the two points where the track had to cross it, and the earlie…
Events and uses
The Circus was Rome's largest venue for ludi, public games connected to Roman religious festivals. Ludi were sponsored by leading Romans or the Roman state for the benefit of the Roman people (populus Romanus) and gods. Most were held annually or at annual intervals on the Roman calendar. Others might be given to fulfil a religious vow, such as the games in celebration of a triumph. In …
Religious significance
The southeastern turn of the track ran between two shrines which may have predated the Circus' formal development. One, at the outer southeast perimeter, was dedicated to the valley's eponymous goddess Murcia, an obscure deity associated with Venus, the myrtle shrub, a sacred spring, the stream that divided the valley, and the lesser peak of the Aventine Hill. The other was at the southe…
Modern status and uses
After the 6th century, the Circus fell into disuse and decay. The lower levels, ever prone to flooding, were gradually buried under waterlogged alluvial soil and accumulated debris, so that the original track is now buried 6 meters beneath the modern surface. In the 11th century, the Circus was "replaced by dwellings rented out by the congregation of Saint-Guy." In the 12th century, a watercours…
See also
• Circus of Maxentius – Ancient Roman stadium, a landmark of Rome, Italy
• Column of Marcus Aurelius – Ancient Roman victory column, a landmark of Rome, Italy
• Amphitheatre
• Forma Urbis Romae
External links
• Media related to Circus Maximus at Wikimedia Commons
• Virtual 3D reconstruction of the Roman Forum – www.italyrome.info
• James Grout: Circus Maximus, part of the Encyclopædia Romana
• High-resolution 360° Panoramas and Images of Circus Maximus | Art Atlas