The Circus Maximus in Rome

Nestled in the Valley of Murcia, between the Palatine and Aventine hills, the Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo in Italian) is the oldest and largest hippodrome in ancient Rome.

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A Brief History of the Circus Maximus

The Circus Maximus in Antiquity

The Circus Maximus During the Roman Kingdom and Republic

According to Roman tradition, the origins of the Circus Maximus date back to the early 6^th century BC. The circus was supposedly built under the orders of Tarquin the Elder, but at that time it was just a vast flat esplanade without any permanent structures.

It wasn’t until the 4^th century BC, during the Roman Republic, that the Circus Maximus was equipped with permanent wooden infrastructure, including starting stalls and stands. It was also around this time that the spina, a central barrier dividing the track into two equal parts, was constructed for chariot races.

The Circus Maximus During the Roman Empire

At the end of the 1^st century BC, Julius Caesar undertook major works to expand the circus. His successor, Augustus, continued the work and installed an obelisk brought by Roman troops from Heliopolis in Egypt.

However, the Circus Maximus was partially destroyed in several fires. It wasn’t until the 1^st century AD that the first stone stands were built under Emperor Claudius. His successors continued replacing the old wooden stands with ones made of stone and marble.

Despite these improvements, the construction of the Colosseum in the 1^st century AD marked the beginning of the Circus Maximus’s decline, relegating it to the background.

The circus was, however, fully renovated in the 2^nd century AD under Emperor Trajan, and again in the 4^th century under Emperor Constantine I^.. His successor, Emperor Constantius II, erected a second obelisk on the spina, brought from Karnak in Egypt.

Middle Ages and Renaissance

The Circus Maximus was abandoned in the 6^th century AD and gradually fell into oblivion. The last chariot race took place in 549 AD under the rule of the Ostrogoth king Totila.

During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the Circus Maximus was looted and its materials were repurposed for new constructions.

The Egyptian obelisk installed in the circus under Emperor Augustus in the 1st century BC was moved to the Piazza del Popolo. The obelisk erected by Emperor Constantius II in the 4^th century was relocated to St. John Lateran.

The Circus Maximus Today

Today, the Circus Maximus has become a vital gathering place where residents of Rome come together for massive concerts (Genesis, the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen), festivals, open-air movie screenings, and large public gatherings.

It was at the Circus Maximus that Romans celebrated Italy’s victory in the 2006 World Cup!

Games, Chariot Races, and Processions

Don’t be fooled by the name Circus Maximus! There are no clowns or acrobats here. In ancient Rome, a circus was a vast stadium similar to a racetrack where various games, races, and processions were held.

Roman spectators could watch chariot races, equestrian shows, animal and gladiator fights, athletic competitions (wrestling, boxing, and running), and triumphal processions.

A Brief Description of the Circus Maximus in Antiquity

In antiquity, the track of the Circus Maximus stretched 600 meters / 1970 ft long and varied between 80 and 200 meters (260 and 650 ft) wide (the circus was expanded over the centuries).

Covered in sand, the track was divided by a spina decorated with statues. Chariots and processions would circle around this spina.

A trench and palisade separated the arena from the stands to protect spectators from accidents, especially given the presence of wild animals.

The stands, initially made of wood, were gradually replaced with stone over the centuries.

Many shops were located to the west of the circus, on the Palatine Hill.

Visiting the Circus Maximus

Unfortunately, the Circus Maximus hasn’t stood the test of time as valiantly as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, or the Palatine Hill.

Today, only a vast grassy area remains, dotted with a few remnants of the stands. But the shape of the track is still perfectly discernible, allowing visitors to imagine the enormity of the stadium during antiquity.

While it might not be as essential as some of the better-preserved ancient sites, Captain Ulysses believes the Circus Maximus is worth a look if your schedule in the Italian capital allows!

Practical Information

Getting to the Circus Maximus

The ancient racetrack is located on Via del Circo Massimo, just steps from Palatine Hill and the Bocca della Verità.

The nearest metro station is Circo Massimo (line B).

Opening Hours of the Circus Maximus

The Circus Maximus is open all the time.

Admission Fees for the Circus Maximus

Good news: access to the Circus Maximus is free!

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Credits
Carole Raddato | Carole Raddato | Sonse