Circus Maximus
The Circus Maximus (translates to biggest round-course) is an ancient hippodrome in Rome. It was built by the Romans. It was used to stage chariot races, but also other uses like gladiator fights. Today it is a park.
Circus Maximus Media
Today's grounds of the Circus Maximus on the southeast curve
Model of Rome in the 4th century AD, by Paul Bigot. The Circus lies between the Aventine (left) and Palatine (right); the oval structure to the far right is the Colosseum.
View of the Circus site from the south-east in 2019
The Obelisco Flaminio, now in the Piazza del Popolo, was once part of the dividing barrier (spina) at the Circus Maximus
Sestertius depicting Caracalla, and the Circus Maximus, with Augustus' obelisk midway along the central dividing barrier (euripus or spina)
Sestertius of Trajan celebrating the restoration of the Circus Maximus (minted 103 AD).
Groundplan of the Circus Maximus, according to Samuel Ball Platner, 1911. The staggered starting gates are to the left.
Jasper intaglio (2nd century AD) depicting chariot races, with the three-pointed metae at each end of the dividing barrier shown at top (Walters Art Museum)
Ruins overlooking the Circus Maximus, seen from the Aventine (1983)
Italian World Cup 2006 victory celebration at the site of the Circus
Other websites
- James Grout: Circus Maximus, part of the Encyclopædia Romana
- Circus Maximus Archived 2012-03-22 at the Wayback Machine Ipix 360° panorama
- "Aerial view of Circus Maximus". Google Maps. Retrieved October 14, 2005.
