Audio Guide Rome – The Circus Maximus

The Circus Maximus, manly used for chariot and horse racing, is the biggest and most ancient sports ground circle in Rome.

At least 370.000 spectators could enjoy public games and entertainment going on in this “Valley” situated between the Aventine and Palatine hills (the Aventine Hill is also known for “the Rape of the Sabine Women”).

The first racing and games go back to the age of Romulus and later they went on with Tarquinius, Gaius Julius Cesar, Augustus, Tiberius and Nero. All of them contributed to built, improve and modify this big open space. In the 2nd century B.C., the Circus Maximus was 600 meters in length and at least 200 meters in width.