The RaceThe RaceHeld in honor of the gods.

Starts with Pompa (a parade) led by giver of the games.

Magistrate gives signal to start by dropping a handkerchief.

7 laps (4.5 miles) around spina.

4. CARCERES

Starting gates (12) opened and race began

5. The Chariot and Charioteer

Usually a 4 chariots raced with 4 horses each.

6. Driver wore boots & helmet-like cap for protection.

Driver tied reins around waist because it is very hard to control

Driver carried a knife to cut reins as to not be dragged if chariot tips.

7. 24 races a day by 3rd century AD

Nearly 200 public holidays a year!

8. Life of a Charioteer (Auriga)

Positive

Earned lots of money

Very popular public figures.

Glamorous life.

Life of an Auriga

Negative

DANGEROUS!!

9. Reasons for Popularity

Exciting

Spectacle

Social Event

Betting

The Race Track

1. Spina (means backbone)

2. Central barrier4 feet high and 12 feet wide wall

3. On it were small temples, altars, fountains, statues

Race Track (cont’d)

4. 7 bronze dolphinsTurn over after each lapSymbol of Neptune, creator of the horse

5. 7 lg. Ova (wooden eggs)

Remove one when each lap is completed.Symbol of Castor and Pollux.

6. META

Turning posts: 3 cone shaped points at end of spina

TEAMS: factiones

Red

White

Blue: senators and rich favorite team

Green: emperor and mob favorite

Circus Maximus

600 meters long x 200 meters wide

circus- a place where chariot races are held maximus- biggest

250,000

Circus Maximus (cont’d)

Imperial boxemperor's box seats

2 stories

connected to palace on Palatine Hill, so he did not have to walk the streets

Let’s draw.

On the back or bottom draw a circus with spina and label the sections.

Circus Maximus (cont’d)

Obelisk of Ramses IIbrought from Egypt to Rome

found on Spina

Valete discipuli!