WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Although the Circus Maximus was designed for chariot racing (ludi circenses), other events were held there, including gladiatorial combats (ludi gladiatorii) and wild animal hunts (venationes), athletic events and processions.

Detailed explanation-2: -In addition to chariot races, the Circus Maximus was also used for other sporting events – animal hunts and gladiator fights.

Detailed explanation-3: -Spectators gathered to watch as horse teams pulled drivers in two-wheeled carts around a track with hairpin turns at each end. Chariot races were held in a specially built arena, or hippodrome, with posts marking the turning points. As many as 10 chariots raced at a time, each pulled by two-or four-horse teams.

Detailed explanation-4: -The races took place in massive purpose-built structures called circuses. The Circus Maximus, the largest in all of the Roman Empire, could hold an estimated 150, 000 people, the Coliseum, Rome’s largest arena could hold just 50, 000.

Detailed explanation-5: -The two large obelisks that used to be on the site have been moved; Augustus’ obelisk now stands in Piazza del Popolo and that of Constans II next to the Basilica of St John Lateran. Various activities took place in the Circus Maximus stadium at the time, the most famous being the horse drawn cart competitions.