CIRCUS MAXIMUS

Description

Essentials about Circus Maximus in brief

Who doesn’t know Circus Maximus? Not only cinema fans know the legendary chariot race from the movie Ben Hur, which takes place in the Circus Maximus (for the sake of truth, it should be revealed that all film shots of the Circus were shot in the studio). With a total length of 600 meters and a width of 140 meters, Circus Maximus was the largest circus in ancient Rome. Its capacity is said to have been up to 250,000 spectators at its peak. By the way, a circus has nothing in common with a circus, but it was the name of the Romans for an elongated arena, in which primarily chariot races and more rarely gladiator fights and animal fights took place.

The history of Circus Maximus

The marshy area of Circus Maximus was already drained in the 6th century BC and used for various competitions. According to legend, King Lucius Tarquinius Priscus erected the first wooden stands, which collapsed again and again in the further history of the Circus, sometimes causing many deaths. Only Caesar, who extended the Circus in its width, had partly permanent seating steps made of marble installed on the occasion of his triumphal games in 46 BC and surrounded the arena with a moat to separate it from the auditorium.

After a fire in 31 BC, Emperor Augustus renovated and enlarged the Circus, and in 10 BC erected the first obelisk in the center of the spina, which at that time was probably a wooden partition between the lanes. A second obelisk was added later under Emperor Constantius II in the 4th century. It was not until the reign of Emperor Trajan that marble-clad stone stands were erected in the Circus until 103. A three-story building was created where stores, betting parlors, inns and even brothels awaited spectators. Then, in the early 4th century AD, the Circus reached its maximum level of expansion with an alleged spectator capacity of 250,000 people.

The competitions in Circus Maximus

Incidentally, it is a common misconception that the Colosseum was the main venue for games and competitions in Rome. Much more popular and frequented was the Circus Maximus, where up to 200 chariot races and sports and gladiatorial competitions were held annually. Religious events and parades also took place in the Circus.

Chariot races were one of the favorite pastimes of the Romans. The chariots, usually four-horse, occasionally up to seven-horse, had to complete a certain number of laps (usually seven). Terrible accidents, especially at the turning points, and spectacular overtaking maneuvers provided thrills for the spectators. Those who succeeded as drivers could become rich and famous. Chariot races were, so to speak, the ancient Formula 1.

Circus Maximus after the end of the Roman Empirevc

In 549 AD, the Circus Maximus finally hosted a competition for the last time. From the late 6th century, the arena fell into disrepair. In the following centuries, the large open area was partly used for agriculture or built over with fortifications, a gasometer and small businesses. It was not until the 1930s that the area began to be cleared again.

Unfortunately, the Circus Maximus is therefore one of the monuments in Rome of which the least has been preserved. Today, it is not possible to see much more than a large meadow, and it takes a bit of imagination to picture the impressive monumental arena of antiquity. However, its ground plan can still be guessed under the grassy hills. At the eastern end, remains of the stands and a medieval tower can still be seen. The marble of the tribunes, by the way, “fell victim” to the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica. The two obelisks that stood in the center of the competition arena in ancient times were dismantled. One stands today next to the Lateran Basilica, the second in Piazza del Popolo.

Circus Maximus today

Circus Maximus is not only a popular destination for tourists, but also the Romans themselves like to spend their time there. In good weather, people meet to picnic or drink wine in the arena, but joggers and dog owners are also often seen guests. In addition, the Circus Maximus is used for concerts and other large events. For example, the Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen have rocked the Circus in front of tens of thousands of people.