Page 24 - All About History 48 - 2017 UK

DAREDEVILS

CIRCUS MAXIMUS

CHARIOT RACING, 6TH CENTURY BCE – 6TH CENTURY

The Circus Maximus was the Ancient Roman teams was heated and occasionally violent. for chariot racing until the 6th century, when
equivalent of a modern-day concert hall. This The chariots used were akin to war chariots, it was left to decay, many of its materials being
huge sports venue was host to a plethora of and the riders were held in place at their feet. used for building works. Since the mid-19th
exciting, dangerous and exhilarating activities The sharp turns were the most dangerous part century, excavations have uncovered
enjoyed by the entire city. The circus was of the heated race, where chariots could be more of the original seating and
originally built in the 6th century BCE as a knocked, overturned and crushed. Although today it is used as a large
chariot racetrack, located in the valley between causing opponents to crash was strictly illegal, park area, hosting
the Palatine and Aventine hills. Its main collisions were still very common. concerts and
purpose was to host the Roman Games, the The Circus Maximus was not only used festivals.
oldest and most famous games in the city. Held for chariot racing, it was also host to a
every September, the event featured 15 days of variety of other thrilling events such as wild
perilous, heart-pounding chariot races. animal hunts, gladiator fights and public
Chariot racing was no casual pastime; there executions. It also was the venue for
was huge monetary and personal reward for less exciting business such as
those brave riders who emerged from the religious ceremonies, public
track victorious. Similar to modern footballers, feasts and plays. The
chariot racers were beloved by fans and site continued
celebrated for their valiant victories. However, to be used
winning was no easy task, and all the men
who competed risked life and limb for fame
and fortune. The different chariot teams Imperial Box
were colour coded green, red, blue High in the palace area of the Palatine Hill
and white, and rivalry between was the Imperial Box. This is where the
emperor and royal family would watch
the supporters of different
the events unfold. The emperor wasn’t
the only one with his own box; there were
permanent viewing stands and private boxes
for many powerful and wealthy citizens
such as politicians and senators.
Seating
When the Circus Maximus was first built, the
seating was made out of wood and reserved for
the elite of society. Seats for commoners were later
added, but wooden stands would have frequently
rotted, and stone seating later replaced it. Caesar
extended the seating to go around almost the
entire track. The seating rose three storeys high,
with only the highest seats made from wood.

The starting signal
The race began from 12 gates known as carceres,
six from either side of the entrance. The gates were
built along a slight curve so the distance travelled
by the chariots was equal for all. Above the gates the
presiding magistrate sat and signalled the start of
the race by dropping a white flag, at which time the
gates opened and the race began.

24