It is probable that after the carceres the next permanent part of the circus to be constructed was the spina (see below), and that on it were placed those statues of which we have record, one of Pollentia (Latin Library Liv. For further mention of the fori publici, see Liv. : omnes avidi spectant ad carceris oras quam mox emittat pictis e faucibus currus). These carceres were probably of wood, for a century later they were painted (Enn. (VIII.20.1: carceres eo anno in circo primum statuti), which makes it plain that there had been nothing permanent before that date. I.56.2 ) but the first definite statement is that of Livy for 329 B.C. To the Tarquins tradition ascribed the beginnings of the circus and the assignment of definite places or curiae to senate and knights where they could erect wooden platforms on supports (fori), from which to view the games, either to Priscus (Latin Library: Liv. II.391‑392 IV.391, 680), horse races in honour of Consus (q.v.) ascribed to Romulus, at which occurred the rape of the Sabine women (Latin Library: Varro, LL VI.20). Here the first recorded games were held (Reference Latin Library: Ov. This valley was admirably adapted for the purpose, being 600 metres long and 150 wide. John Lateran, as per SIxtus V.Ĭircus Maximus: The first and largest circus in Rome, which was greatly built up in the Vallis Murcia (q.v.), between the Palatine and Aventine hills. The obelisks were rediscovered and reused. After the circus’ demise and abandonment, it was a used as fields for orchards and vineyards. Constantius II brought Rome’s largest obelisk with him during his visit in AD 357. But it was Trajan who constructed it in its final form.
Julius Caesar, Augustus (brought obelisk as turning post in 10BC later re-erected in Piazza del Popolo under Sixtus V), Claudius, Nero (after the fire of 64) all had a hand. Over time, it became more monumental in scale and decoration.
IS CHARIOT RACES ROMAN CULTURE SERIES
The site also included a series of important shrines, dedicated to Consus and Murcia, and obelisks and fountain located along the spina barrier, around which the chariots raced. Originally conceived by Tarquin the Proud, its seating was comprised of the gentle slopes of the hill.
The remains of the venue are visible on the eastern end: some seating and remains of the Arch of Titus, an archaeological site of the Comune di Roma. Located between the Palatine and Aventine hills, its maximum structure, under Trajan, had a seating capacity of 250,000 spectators, around the 540m long track, with a width of 80 m. In particular the ludi Romani were held here annually and the occasional triumphal processions, snaking their way around the Palatine hill. The Circus Maximus was the greatest circus, venue for chariot races and venationes (hunts), ever constructed by the Romans.