Circus Maximus + Chariot Racing Flashcards
What was Circus Maximus?
It was a stadium for chariot racing and it was the greatest and largest circus in Rome
What was used in the chariot racing and why?
7 large eggs which were lowered to indicate how many of the 7 laps of a race had been completed
How was the seating arranged?
- The lowest was reserved for VIP’s: state priests (including Vestal Virgins), senators and
wealthy equites. - The next tier was available for anyone.
- There was little segregation at the circus, which meant that men, women and children from different sections of society might all sit together.
- The top tier was for standing room only.
How was Chariot Racing a danger to horses?
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Blows to the eye from an opponent’s whip, tongues cut from snapping on the whip
- Wounds from flying chariot wheels.
How would the race start?
Editor would give a signal by dropping a white cloth (aka mapper). Starting gates would then open
What was the most crucial part about Chariot Racing?
Charioteer guarding the horse around the meta. Charioteer pulling the horse. This is a main crash point and the charioteer needs to make sure they’re positioned correctly.
What would the charioteer need to do after the crash?
They carried a knife to cut himself free so he wouldn’t be dragged along the reins
What would a charioteer receive after winning?
The charioteer would receive his palm branch by the prize giver of victory while a trumpeter plays alongside.
What does Orationes say about the effects on the chariot races on the spectators?
They focus on nothing but the chariot races. E.g ‘They lose all consciousness of their former state’ - tells us that they are so invested and love chariot racing.
- They use ‘abominable language’ - shows their passion and competitiveness
What does Orationes say about the effects on the chariot races on the spectators?
They focus on nothing but the chariot races. E.g ‘They lose all consciousness of their former state’ - tells us that they are so invested and love chariot racing.
- They use ‘abominable language’ - shows their passion and competitiveness
What elements of chariot racing could Pliny the Younger find to admire?
Swiftness of horses
Skill of men controlling horses
Pliny the Younger says the supporters are focussing on ‘a bit of cloth’, What does this suggest?
Suggests they are obsessed with the tunics that they are wearing as it represents the colours of their teams. Don’t care about the skill but care about the team
How much devotion did the supporters have for their team?
A lot, they’re so obsessed with their team that they wish death upon their opposing team- ‘I demand that you kill their drivers in a crash’
What were the conditions like for spectators according to Ovid?
Crowded, very close together- ‘its good the rows force you close, even if you don’t like it’
What does Ovid suggests that also happens at the circus?
Picking up women
