Chariot Racing Flashcards
What was the oldest and largest circus in Rome
Circus Maximus
What was the circus Maximus originally like
No building just sandy flat track with temporary markers
Spectators sat on the hill slopes on either side of the track
What did the Circus Maximus end up like
Well-maintained stadium building with central divider surrounded by stands (wooden, later stone) on 3 sides
Seating capacity approx 150,000 speactators
What were Roman charioteers called and what did they tend to be before
aurigae or agitatores
Most began as slaves and the successful ones managed to buy their freedom
What were the racing companies or stables known as and what were the colours
Factiones
Red, white, blue, green
What was the design of the chariots
Small and as lightweight as possible
Made of wood with little protection for charioteer who had to balance on axle as he rode
4-7 horses
What did the races start with
Elaborate procession (pompa) headed by dignitary who sponsored the games followed by the charioteers, teams, musicians, dancers and priests carrying statues of gods
How many races were there per day
Usually 12 but later doubled
How were starting positions determined and how did the race start
Drew lots, once horses were ready the white cloth (mappa) was dropped by sponsor and the gates were sprung open and up to 12 teams of horses raced onto the tracks
What was the strategy in the race
Avoid going too fast at the beginning as 7 laps had to be run and try to hold position as close to the barrier without hitting them
How could the competitors foul their oppositions
Attempts to dope and poison horses and charioteers
Some hexed opponents
How were laps counted
Eggs dropping or dolphins flipping in the centre of the track spina 7 in total
What did the winners receive
Palm branch and wreath at event and later money was given to stable and driver
What were the turning points called
meta
What was the spina
Down the centre of the track
