Circus Maximus

The remains of the Circus Maximus

The Circus Maximus (Italian: Circo Massimo) was the first and largest chariot-racing course to be built in Rome. The Roman general, politician and future imperator, Gaius Julius Caesar, ordered its construction after a dream he experienced, wherein a huge racing arena that could host an entire population as an audience was built.

History

The Circus Maximus was first built solely for public entertainment and games by the Etruscan kings of Rome. After many years, Julius Caesar expanded the Circus to hold 270,000 to 300,000 spectators, because of the increased population of Rome. The track – able to hold 12 chariots – became 2,037 feet in length and 387 feet in breadth; each race set at the Circus went for a total distance of about 4 miles. ^{[citation needed]}

In 140, one of the upper tiers of the circus collapsed and killed 1,112 spectators, an incident which remains the worst sports-related disaster in history. The last known chariot race was held by Totila in 549. Afterwards, the Circus was never used for large, public races, as most of the structure was destroyed by nature, and large sections of the track and seating disappeared. ^{[citation needed]}

During the Renaissance in the early 16th century, the Circus was used by Rome's citizens for horse riding. The Templar Donato Mancini would participate in horse races there, and members of the Cento Occhi gang were also known to practice riding. Unfortunately for them, this habit resulted in them being tracked to the Circus and assassinated by Ezio Auditore da Firenze.

Gallery

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  Donato Mancini at the Circus Maximus
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  Ezio assassinating Donato at the Circus Maximus

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood