Sources - Chariot Racing Flashcards
What is the Circus Maximus?
A track for chariot racing.
What shape was it?
Roughly oval shaped, covered in sand.
Whats a spina?
A barrier running down the middle of the track.
What is a metae?
It marks the turning point in the race - There are 3 conical turning posts on the track.
What are carceres?
- The releasing gates at the one end of the track. Means prison in latin.
The chariots were released from 12 automatic starting gates. Horses had to stay in there line until they reached the white line.
How big was the Circus Maximus?
Big - the stadium could seat up to 250,000 people (a quarter of the population of Rome)
What were chariots made of?
Leather and wicker - meant they were light and they could go fast.
How did you identify the chariot racers teams?
They were identified by the colour of the band they wore around there body - red, white, green or blue.
Why would people go to chariot races?
To support there favourite team and bet on the horses.
Could women attend the races?
Yes - but they couldn’t compete in the chariot racing
How did charioteers know how many laps they had left?
The laps were shown by 7 large marble or wooden eggs called ova. They were also shown by bronze dolphins, called delphini, positioned on the spina.
What was outside the Circus Maximus?
3 levels of arches where there were arcades with shops, food sellers and other tradesmen.
How often were chariot racing?
It took place every year two times.
What happened before the chariot races?
Parades took place in honour of the gods.
What was at the end of the races?
A ceremony in which the victor was given a palm (live music)
How common were chariot races?
More common than gladiator fights.
What was sold at the races?
Lots of things such as food, drinks and souvenirs but mostly scented water and pillows - the arena smelt bad and the seats were uncomfortable.
What were four horses called?
Qaudrige
What is horse in latin?
Hippo
What did charioteers wear and carry?
They wore leather helmets and the colour of their team. They carried a knife/dagger with them and had the reigns of the horse strapped around their waist - if they crashed they cut themselves free.
If charioteers did well, what could they become?
They could become rich and very famous from racing
