Top Highlights

• Its principal function was as a chariot racetrack and host of the Roman Games (Ludi Romani) which honoured Jupiter.
• These were the oldest games in the city and were held every September with 15 days of chariot races and military processions.
• the Circus had a capacity for 250,000
• The track, originally covered in sand and measuring 540 x 80 m. 12 starting gates (carceres) for chariots arranged in an arc at the open end of the track. A decorated barrier (spina or euripus) complete with obelisks running down the centre of the track. Conical turning posts (metae) placed at each end of the track. Lap markers (eggs and dolphins) ...
• The chariots themselves were colour-coded (red, white, green and blue) and could be pulled by teams of 4, 6, 8 or 12 horses.

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