Circus Maximus

The Circus Maximus does not look like much while driving by it. In fact when I first arrived in Rome, our taxi drove right by it and I did not even recognize it or notice it. However, the Cicus Maximus is an amazing site to see and reflects much of the history in Rome that many are excited to visit and learn more about.
Some of the earlier history, states that the Circus Maximus was used for chariot races which were extremely popular and a great form of entertainment thousands of years ago. The Circus Maximus was an arena built in the 6th century BC that was originally built to form a track between the Palatine and Aventine Hills. In 329 BC starting gates were first built, and then destroyed by three fires, being rebuilt every time by different rulers and emperors. The obelisk that stands in the center of Piazza del Popolo once was erected at the Circus Maximus.
After every fire that occurred in the Circus Maximus, it was rebuilt by different people and it resembled their power. In AD 103 Trajan rebuilt the Circus at the height of its power. The Circus was rebuilt was built in stone and was three stories high. And the seating areas for the spectators to sit on were built in marble. The Circus Maximus was about two thousand feet by five hundred feet. Some of the most popular entertaining events took place in the Circus Maximus, such as gladiator combats and chariot races. The last race that was held in the Circus Maximus was in AD 549. The only visible part of the Circus Maximus today is the layout. The stone and marble pieces were later used to build structures throughout Rome in the medieval and Renaissance era.


"Circus Maximus, Rome." A View On Cities. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. .