Circus Maximus facts for kids
The Circus Maximus (which means 'greatest circus' in Latin) was a huge ancient Roman stadium in Rome, Italy. It was mainly used for exciting chariot racing and other big public shows.
This amazing stadium was built in a valley between the Aventine and Palatine hills. It was the very first and largest stadium in ancient Rome and later in the Roman Empire. The Circus Maximus was about 621 meters (2,037 feet) long and 118 meters (387 feet) wide. It was so big that it could hold over 150,000 people! Over time, it became the design for all other circuses across the Roman Empire. Today, the area is a public park.
What Happened at the Circus Maximus?
The Circus Maximus was Rome's biggest place for public games. These games were often part of Roman religious festivals. Important Romans or the Roman government would pay for these events. They were held for the Roman people and their gods. Many of these games happened every year or at regular times on the Roman calendar.
The events, called ludi, could last from half a day to several days. They included religious ceremonies, big public meals, and lots of entertainment. The most popular events were horse and chariot races. People also enjoyed athletics, plays, poetry readings, and even gladiator fights.
The Circus Maximus Today
After the 6th century AD, the Circus Maximus was no longer used. It slowly fell apart, and people even took its stones to build other things. The lower parts of the stadium often flooded and got buried under mud and dirt. Now, the original track is about 6 meters (20 feet) below the ground!
In the 12th century, a water channel was dug there to help drain the land. By the 1500s, the area was used as a place to grow vegetables. Today, the Circus Maximus is a large park in the middle of Rome. It is often used for big concerts and public gatherings.
Images for kids
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View of the Circus site from the north-east in 2019
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The Obelisco Flaminio, now in the Piazza del Popolo, was once part of the dividing barrier (spina) at the Circus Maximus
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Sestertius depicting Caracalla, and the Circus Maximus, with Augustus' obelisk midway along the central dividing barrier (euripus or spina)
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Sestertius of Trajan celebrating the restoration of the Circus Maximus (minted 103 AD).
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Groundplan of the Circus Maximus, according to Samuel Ball Platner, 1911. The staggered starting gates are to the left.
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Jasper intaglio (2nd century AD) depicting chariot races, with the three-pointed metae at each end of the dividing barrier shown at top (Walters Art Museum)
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Italian World Cup 2006 victory celebration at the site of the Circus
See also
In Spanish: Circo Máximo para niños
