Circo Massimo
The Circo Massimo (English: Circus Maximus Latin: for great or large circus) is an ancient Roman chariot racing stadium and mass entertainment venue located in Rome, Italy. Situated in the valley between the Aventine and Palatine hills, it was the first and largest Chariot Racing Stadium in ancient Rome. It measured 621 m (2,037 ft) in length and 118 m (387 ft) in width, and could accommodate about 250,000 people, over a quarter of the city's population. In its fully developed form, it provided the canonical type for circuses throughout the Roman Empire.
The last known chariot race at the Circus was held organized by Totila in 549. Thereafter, the site fell into disuse and gradual decay. Some of its stone was recycled, but many standing structures survived. In 1587, two of the main columns were removed by Pope Sixtus V; one of these was re-sited at the Piazza del Popolo. The lower levels of site, ever prone to flooding, were gradually buried under waterlogged alluvial soil and accumulated debris; the original level of track is now buried 6m beneath the modern surface.
Assassin Creed: Brotherhood
When Ezio Auditore came to Rome, the circuit has been worn of old age, and was used as a common road for horses. When Ezio Auditore came across the Templar, Donato Mancini, riding here on his horse escorted by his guards, he swiftly assassinated the Templar and left the Circus Maximus without spilling anymore blood.[1]
Many of members of the Cento Occhi gang practice horse riding in the Circus Maximus.
Gallery
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Alternate view.
Notes and References
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