“[Rome’s
monuments are beyond compare] even if we don’t include among our great works of
architecture the Circus Maximus built by Caesar when dictator, 1,800 feet long
and 600 feet wide, with three acres of buildings and seats for 250,000
spectators” (Pliny the Elder, Encyclopedia
36.102).
The Circus
Maximus was the largest structure built in ancient Rome. It had a capacity to
hold over twice the audience of the Colosseum, and it was twice as long as the
Stadium of Domitian, now Piazza Navona.
1. View of the Circus Maximus
The circus was constructed and laid out
in the 6th century BCE by the first Roman kings. It was excavated in
the 20th century and remodelled, but it functions now as a public park
where most of its structures are gone.
2. Circus Maximus as seen today.
Despite the fact this large structure
lost its main purpose of entertainment, the circus still hosts numerous events
like concerts and rallies.
3. Concerts and rallies in the Circus Maximus
In the early days of the structure, the main
entertainment activity were chariot races and games called the Ludi Romani. This kind of event took
place every 5th to 19th days of September since 366 BC,
and held religious practices, chariot races, and theatrical performances. Of
course, they were developed in different places such as amphitheatres,
theatres, and circuses. The procession began as a parade with all participants
and culminated in the circus. Once there, priests made sacrifices, and the
games began with chariot races.
The chariot
races were divided into different colours (red, white, green, and blue) and
could be pulled by 4 to 12 horses. Chariot winners became prestigious. Some of
them were Pontius Epaphroditus, Pompeius Musclosus, Diocles, and Scorpus who
had more than 2,000 victories.
Works Cited:
Aicher, Peter J. Rome Alive: A Source Guide to the Ancient City. Edited by Keenan,
Laurie Haight. Mundelein: Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers, 2013
Cartwright, Mark. “Circus Maximus.”
Ancient History Encyclopedia. Accessed June 12, 2013. http://www.ancient.eu/Circus_Maximus/
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