What happened in the Circus Maximus?

Experience the Circus Maximus: Rome's largest chariot racing venue, hosting 150,000 fans. Discover its history, thrilling races, and legendary charioteers.

0:00 Introduction
0:40 A brief history of the Circus Maximus, from Romulus to Trajan
3:48 A day at the races: the start of the race and the mappa
4:17 the Carceres - Starting gates
6:13 The Auriga - charioteer
7:19 The Factions
7:45 Other attendants on the track
8:25 The euripus or spina
9:39 Metae
10:28 Lap counters (2)
11:25 Finish line
11:51 Famous charioteers: Diocles and Scorpus

The animation was created for the American Institute for Roman Culture by animator Andrea Troiani!

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[dougmartin]

Years ago while visiting Rome I road my rented bicycle a few laps around the circus . It felt fantastic.

[peterreston]

A much needed presentation. The puny Colosseum gets all the hype. The Circus Max should get all the glory.

[outlaw]

When I was a kid, I would sometimes see 6-7 Italians squeezed into a Fiat 500, so I'm pretty certain they could squeeze 300, 000 into the Circus Maximus.

[jirlam]

I raced around the Circus Maximus last month on electric scooters, was ace.

[anna-lisagirling]

I loved this video! The art work, the ancient mosaics and carvings were wonderful and I really enjoyed the architectural drawings and the paintings of the Circus in its heyday. I kept hearing the roars of the spectators as you described the egg and dolphin counters being tipped with each lap and the thunder of the hooves was also thrilling! Thank you so much for this one.

[michaellubina]

Thank you for your research and presentation of your hard work! Keep it up!

[sarahschneider]

I'm so glad I found this channel.

[TheSpaceKidette]

Loved the detail in this presentation. Especially the symbolism. I am sure that when I finally get to see these things with my own eyes it will be with a greater appreciation for what I am viewing. Thanks again, Darius!

[gokussgss]

Man this was a fire song on the album thank you Travis Scott

[robertozeladarodriguez]

How beautiful, but also how incredible a reconstruction is, maintaining the differences with the ruins that remain and a plaque that says that it is a representation of the Circus.

[scott]

I'm a Ancient Rom junkie and of the vast amount of books I've read I've never come across that fascinating little nugget about teammates on horseback during the chariot races. I love those little known details about everyday life that has been forgotten through time. Can you imagine strolling around Rome w/ this guy!! 😂

Great video!
Informative and interesting.
Very good work!

I really enjoy seeing today's Roman structures vs. them in the past, when they were beautiful and imposing at the same time.

[Bart]

What a well-done and informative video. We are so lucky to have your work.
Like many of your previous videos, I will share this one at our website. Thank you.

[toma]

Awesome! Thank you once more for another piece of Italy. Love the country. Was there in 1999

[jceepf]

One small mistake: the Septizodium would not be there at the time of Trajan.

[jacobrocks]

I was there and was impressed by its scale…chariots were ancient form of nascar racing

[Insectoid_]

Look at that beautiful blue sky. Imagine being able to see 150, 000 people cheering this on… if I could go back in time…. I can continue to dream.

[VelvetRiot-hzmp]

I raced on it late at night on a Vespa just to say I had done it. It's now just a public parkland, you get a few ruined terraces at one end. Lesson for today, never tear down your old stadiums. Just let them be for future generations to admire.

[andyroo]

Today, just watching a normal horse race (Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, etc.) is attention grabbing. I can't imagine watching a chariot race, with 4 horses and multiple competitors, and being drawn into the excitement of the time. With the Emperor of Rome there and other wealthy Senators and citizens. The Romans created so much, for us, that is still left.

[WalkingToursVlog]

Very interesting video! I looked with pleasure! Thanks for sharing!