The Circus Maximus is nowadays a large valley between the Aventine and Palatine hill nevertheless its story is connected to the very origin of Rome.
According to the legend, the founder and first king of Rome, Romolo, used these space to organize a celebration to the god Conso.
Romolo got a problem: he started a city with plenty of men and few women, and the surrounding tribes were not willing to intermarry with the Romans.
According to the legend, the founder and first king of Rome, Romolo, used these space to organize a celebration to the god Conso.
Romolo got a problem: he started a city with plenty of men and few women, and the surrounding tribes were not willing to intermarry with the Romans.
| During the ‘Conso’ celebration the Romans kidnapped the ladies of the Sabines. The very first roman war was caused by ladies, and ended thanks to the same women that stopped the fights between their new husbands and their fathers and brothers. Latins and Sabines became united. This story it’s interesting: it shows that the Circus and the races that occurred there were the very first entertainment of the Romans. Far before theatrical performances and gladiatorial fights. The Romans were mad about chariot races, they got their favorite team they supported for all their life. Similarly to what happens today with the soccer. Chariot riders were sport stars and their competitions were dangerous. The circus maximum in the past was rebuilt many times. The first time the timber structure of the seats collapsed due to the enthusiasm of the spectators and many people died. It was rebuilt in stone and later on in concrete and marble. Nowadays we believe the spectator were about 200000 people. Professor Lanciani, a renewed archeologist of the 19th century, made an interesting calculation: He esteemed the spectators being 150.000 people seated on marble or stone seats. Assuming each person sat on 50 cm of space, the total amount of marble and stone quarried in the circus throughout the centuries is 75 km of benches. Always remember that the Christian city was built with the ‘pagan’ marbles. |  A section of the Circus recently excavated. Imagine the amount off findings still buried that can be revealed! The valley is 600 meters long and the slopes, visible today hide ruins underneath. |
