the roman spectators watched chariot races at the roman circus venue.
the roman spectators watched chariot races at the roman circus venue.
what time of venue did the roman spectators watch chariot races?
roman circus
the roman circus was a large open-air venue used for public events in the ancient roman empire. the circuses were similar to the ancient greek hippodromes, although circuses served varying purposes and differed in design and construction. along with theatres and amphitheatres, circuses were one of the main entertainment sites of the time. circuses were venues for chariot races, horse races, and performances that commemorated important events of the empire were performed there. for events that involved re-enactments of naval battles, the circus was flooded with water.
ancient roman architecture
the romans probably borrowed chariot racing from the etruscans as well as the racing tracks, who themselves borrowed it from the greeks, but the romans were also influenced directly by the greeks. according to roman legend, chariot racing was used by romulus just after he founded rome in 753 bc as a way of distracting the sabine men. romulus sent out invitations to the neighbouring towns to celebrate the festival of the consualia, which included both horse races and chariot races. whilst the sabines were enjoying the spectacle, romulus and his men seized and carried off the sabine women, who became wives of the romans. chariot races were a part of several roman religious festivals, and on these occasions were preceded by a parade "(pompa circensis)" that featured the charioteers, music, costumed dancers, and images of the gods. while the entertainment value of chariot races tended to overshadow any sacred purpose, in late antiquity the church fathers still saw them as a traditional "pagan" practice, and advised christians not to participate.
chariot racing