When we think of circuses, we usually think of clowns, acrobats, and animals. But did you know that the ancient Romans also had a circus? The Circus Maximus was an enormous stadium where chariot races and other events were held. Here are some interesting facts about the Circus Maximus that kids will enjoy learning about.
What was the Circus Maximus?
The Circus Maximus was a huge stadium in ancient Rome. It was built in the 6th century BC and could hold up to 150,000 people. The stadium was used for chariot races, but also for other events like gladiator fights and public speeches.
Chariot Races
The most popular event at the Circus Maximus was the chariot race. The races were held in a large oval track called the spina, which had several obstacles like columns and statues. The chariots were pulled by two or four horses, and the races were very dangerous. The drivers often got injured or even died during the races.
The Teams
There were four teams that competed in the chariot races: the Reds, the Blues, the Greens, and the Whites. Each team had its own color and symbol. The fans of each team were very passionate and often fought with each other. The rivalry between the Blues and the Greens was particularly intense and sometimes led to violence.
The Emperor's Box
The Circus Maximus had a special box for the emperor and his family. The box was located at the end of the spina and had a great view of the races. The box was decorated with gold and precious stones and was very luxurious.
The Obelisk
There was a large obelisk in the center of the Circus Maximus. The obelisk was originally from Egypt and was brought to Rome by Emperor Augustus. It was used as a giant sundial and helped the spectators keep track of time during the races.
The Decline
The Circus Maximus was in use for almost 1000 years, but it declined in popularity during the Middle Ages. The stadium was abandoned and became a quarry for building materials. Today, only a small part of the stadium remains, but you can still see the outline of the track and some of the seating areas.
Conclusion
The Circus Maximus was an important part of ancient Roman culture and entertainment. It was a place where people came together to watch exciting events and cheer for their favorite teams. Although the stadium is now mostly in ruins, it still holds a special place in history and continues to fascinate people of all ages.