Chariot Racing Flashcards
How many teams were there, what were the names of these teams?
4! Green blue red and white.
How many people could the Circus Maximus hold?
250,000 a quarter of Rome!
How many charioteers would there be in each team? How many horses for each chariot?
One two or three chariot. Usually 4 horses to a chariot.
How many races a day? How many laps for each? How long would each take?
24 a day. 7 laps each. 15 minutes each
How were laps marked??
Seven huge eggs of marble or wood raised high above the central platform (spina) and every time the chariots completed a lap, and egg was lowered. Bronze Dolphins used too.
Where was the faster speed?
Down the length of the circus Maximus
When was most skill displayed?
At the turning point (meta). Take it too quickly and you would smash into the column. Take it too slowly you would be overtaken!
What were the reigns attached to?
Tightly around his body
What was held in a charioteer’s belt? Why?
A knife. In the event of a crash the charioteer would have to cut the reigns (as they are attached to him). His life may depend on how quickly he can cut himself free from the wreckage!
What was the ‘Island’ in the middle of the circus Maximus called?
The spina
What were the columns at either end of the circus Maximus called?
The meta. The charioteers had to turn around these.
When could chariot racing have first started?
Archaeological evidence from 6th century BC however records of it before this in literature!
Where was the circus Maximus placed? What is the significance of its location?
It was built in a valley between the palatine and the Aventine hills.
Emperors resided at palatine hills, showing how important it was. Often the emperor would watch.
How long was the circumference of the track?
1 mile!
Where and how were the seats located?
All the way around. Rows of seating were three stories high, called ‘fori’ which rose above one another.
What were the seats made of?
The lower stands would have been made of stone, the higher stands of wood.
What facilities were there for senators, politicians and important military personnel?
Starting gates, permanent viewing stands and indeed private boxes.
Where would the emperor have been sat?
In the imperial box, high up in the palace area on the palatine. The royal family would also have been there.
What were the Ostia?
The openings from which the horses and chariots started?
Who kept the horses in order on the starting line?
The moratores (person)
What statues were in front of the starting line?
Two statues of mercury holding a chain or rope
What was placed in the middle of the spina?
Obelisks
Describe the processions before the games?
First the images of gods were carried in carriages and frames, or on men’s shoulders. Next followed the combatants, musicians and dancers.
What happened after the processions?
The consuls and priests performed sacred rites.
What would happen to those who won?
They would be given palms (after the manner of the Greeks) and then prize money, of considerable value!
