1 / 12

Ancient Roman Chariot Racing: Spectacle at the Circus Maximus

The Circus Maximus, an iconic Roman entertainment venue, hosted thrilling chariot races and entertainments. Constructed around 550 BC, rebuilt in 100 AD, the massive arena featured elaborate structures including the Spina adorned with statues and meta cone-shaped posts. Races were intense with charioteers from various factions competing for victory, making the Circus Maximus a hub for public spectacle and competition. Witness the excitement of ancient Roman entertainment at this legendary venue!

osbornen
Download Presentation

Ancient Roman Chariot Racing: Spectacle at the Circus Maximus

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Roman Entertainment pani et circenses

  2. General Information • Ludi Circenses • Lies between the Palatine and the Aventine Hills. • Originally built around 550 BC. • Rebuilt around 100AD. • 600m x 200m • Maximum Seating Capacity: 250,000

  3. Basic Design • Spina: central axis; decorated with statues, trophies, and 7 movable eggs or dolphins used to count laps.

  4. Basic Design • Meta: gilded bronze turning posts shaped like cones.

  5. Basic Design • Carceres: starting gates; 12 stalls; opened by a catapult system. • Intricate substructures that supported the seats and provided numerous walkways • Pulvinar: Imperial box for the emperor and other dignitaries.

  6. Chariots, Horses, and Drivers • Factiones: racing corporations represented by different colors (e.g. Albata, Russata, Veneta, Prasina). • Charioteers were professionals drawn from the lower classes (freedmen and slaves). Become public idols.

  7. The Races • Began with a procession/parade into the Circus (Bets were placed at this time). • Starting signum: trumpet blast followed by the presiding magistrate dropping a napkin (mappa). • Up to twelve teams competed (2 or 4 horses); Novelty races: 10 horses, foot races, or trick riding • Raced 7 laps counter-clockwise. Crashes were common. • Full day’s program = 24 races. • Prize=palm branch / gold crown and neck chain. • Defixiones or “curses” found in many arenas

  8. The Victor!!!!

  9. Venationes

  10. Naumachiae

  11. Naumachiae

More Related