Circo Massimo
The Circo Massimo (English: Great Circus) was the first and largest chariot-racing course located in ancient Rome. The Roman general and politician Gaius Julius Caesar ordered its construction after a dream he experienced, where a huge arena that could host an entire population for a race was built.[1]
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 hold 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).[1]
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 large sections of the track and seats disappear.[1]
During the early 1500s, the Circus was used by citizens for horse riding. 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 Ezio Auditore da Firenze.[2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Wikipedia article on the Circus Maximus
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
Gallery
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An alternate view of the Circo Massimo.
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Ezio and Donato engaged in battle in the Circo Massimo.
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