Circus Maximus

The Circus Maximus was one of the most magnificent buildings constructed during the splendor of Rome. The purpose of this grand building was to host chariot races and other entertaining events, like gladiator fights and processions or parades, for the Roman people to enjoy.

Tradition says that it´s construction goes back to the 8th century B.C. in which the first races where held during a feast thrown by King Romulus. Though it is one of the most ancient buildings, it keeps dazzling the people today with what is left of this impressive track.

One of the things that made the Circus Maximus popular was its strategic location between the Palatine and Aventine hills in the city of Rome. The way that it was built allowed people to watch the chariot races from the hillsides. Important guests such as the Emperor, the Senators and the jury who awarded the prizes had special seats reserved for them. It made entertainment available to all social classes because of its easy access.

Picture an enormous oval building, measuring 621 meters in length and 118 meters in width in the middle of two majestic hills, with a long barrier running down the middle of the track decorated with fountains, obelisks and statues. This barrier was called the spine. It marked the place where the chariots had to turn. On both ends of the spine there was a column. On the top of one of the columns there was a pole which had seven eggs, representing the patron saints of Rome, Castor and Pollux. On the top of the other column there were seven dolphins dedicated to Neptune, patron of the horses. Each time the chariots crossed the finish line or metae, one of both figures was removed marking the passing laps.

Another thing that made the Circus Maximus stand out was its capacity because the arena was surrounded with rows of seats that went up to three stories high, making it possible for 250,000 people to watch an event at the same time. These seats where called Fiori. The ones in the lowest levels where made of stone and the ones above where made of wood. It’s important to point out the fact that men and women could sit together, something that was not common at that time.

In 1931, archaeologists discovered a secret temple in the subterranean part of the Circus Maximus. It is believed that they held Mithraic worshiping cults to honor Mithras slaying a bull which is depicted in a sculpture found in the main chamber. Mithraic religion was practiced in the first four centuries A.D. in the name of the Persian God Mithra, who was popular in the Roman Military.

The Circus Maximus was destroyed three times by fire and rebuilt, and in each reconstruction it was enlarged. It is said that twice the columns collapsed and caused many casualties. All that is left of this important sporting monument is the ruins of some of its parts and the markings of is historic tracks.

The Circus Maximus was the greatest hippodrome in roman history,

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