Circo Massimo

Circo Massimo

The Circo Massimo (English: Great Circus, known by the Latin Circus Maximus) was the first and largest chariot-racing course located in ancient Rome. Gaius Julius Caesar ordered its construction after a dream he had, where a huge arena that could host an entire population for a race could be built. When he woke up, he named it the ultimate (or best, enormous, grand) circus.

History

The Circus Maximus was firstly built solely for public entertainment and games by the Etruscan kings of Rome. After many years, Julius Caesar expanded the Circus to give enough place for 270,000 to 300,000 spectators, because of the increased population of Rome. The track, able to hold 12 chariots, was now 2,037 ft. (621m) in length, and 387 ft. (150m) breadth. Each race that was set here went for a total distance of about 4 miles (6.5km).

The last known chariot race was held by Totila in 549, because the Circus Maximus was never used since then, most of the structure was destroyed by nature, making big parts of the track and seats disappear.

In the early 1500s, the Circus was used by citizens for horse riding. Templar Donato Mancini would participate in horse races, and members of the Cento Occhi gang were also known to practice riding. Unfortunately, this habit allowed them to be tracked to the circus and killed by Assassin Ezio Auditore da Firenze.

Database Entry

Located in the valley between Aventino and Colle Palatino, this ancient Roman chariot racing stadium was not only the first of its kind but also the largest. At its peak, the Circo could hold 250,000 people, which was roughly one quarter of the city's population. In 140 C.E. one of the upper tiers of the circus collapsed and killed 1,112 spectators. This tragedy has stood the test of time and remains the worst sports-related disaster in history, not England vs. Hungary in 1953 as some people would like to believe. I'm looking at you, Dad.

Gallery

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