Circus Maximus Flashcards
What is the:
-length
-width
of the Circus Maximus?
- 600m long
- 200m wide
What was the maximum capacity and name of a disadvantage of this amount of people in the Circus Maximus
250,000
It could become very cramped and hot with this amount of people in the Roman heat.
What was the Pulvinar (built by Augustus)?
The imperial box, a sacred area for spectating and contained shrines for gods.
What was in the outside arches of the Circus Maximus?
numerous shops, taverns, cooks, astrologers and prostitutes.
What was the benefit of normal plebeians being able to sit near to emperors, senators etc in the Circus Maximus?
They were able to voice opinions in large groups about issues or certain things troubling them (e.g. the price of bread) without any consequences
What is the 344 meter tall, long masonry rib called?
The spina
Translate the names of the typical four teams in the Circus Maximus races:
- Albata
- Russata
- Veneta
- Prasina
- Albata = White
- Russata = Red
- Veneta = Blue
- Prasina = Green
What would happen after the turn of the fifth egg turned in the Circus Maximus races?
It would become more brutal and violent.
not a question
Good quote to know by Juvenal about the Circus Maximus
All Rome today is the circus: these shows are for the young men, who like to shout and swagger and make bets with their girl-friends at their side.
What were the main dangers of chariot racing?
The possibility of crashing into other chariots or the spina: cornering too close to the metal: being entangled in reins: being run over by other chariots
How long was the chariot race and how long did it tend to last?
There were 7 laps- this was about 5 miles and took approximately 15 minuets
Give an example of a famous charioteer and what famous ones were called
The most famous charioteer was Diocles who won the equivalent of £12million in prize money.
- famous charioteers were called Miliari
