What happened in the Circus Maximus?

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 25 чер 2024
  • Let's examine chariot races, the main activity in the Circus Maximus, Rome's largest entertainment venue. We'll marvel at the circus with our own reconstruction and details from the famous Foligno marble relief. The track, carceres, spina, charioteer, and other, lesser known details of the races are revealed!
    0:00 Introduction
    0:40 A brief history of the Circus Maximus, from Romulus to Trajan
    3:48 A day at the races: the start of the race and the mappa
    4:17 the Carceres - Starting gates
    6:13 The Auriga - charioteer
    7:19 The Factions
    7:45 Other attendants on the track
    8:25 The euripus or spina
    9:39 Metae
    10:28 Lap counters (2)
    11:25 Finish line
    11:51 Famous charioteers: Diocles and Scorpus
    The animation was created for the American Institute for Roman Culture by animator Andrea Troiani!
    To learn more about the neighborhood of the charioteers and horse stalls, check out the video • Explore an Underground...
    Subscribe, comment and like!
    Join our newsletter ancientromelive.org to receive a link to our monthly, free live lecture, and updates on our latest videos, articles, live seminara, online courses and more!
    This content is brought to you by The American Institute for Roman Culture (AIRC), a 501(C)3 US Non-Profit Organization. romanculture.org. Please support our mission to aid learning and understanding of ancient Rome through free-to-access content by donating today via the following link:
    DONATE
    www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
    Follow us on:
    Instagram: / ancientromelive
    Twitter: / ancientromelive
    Facebook: / ancientromelive

КОМЕНТАРІ • 131

  • @dougmartin7129
    @dougmartin7129 Рік тому +65

    Years ago while visiting Rome I road my rented bicycle a few laps around the circus . It felt fantastic.

    • @jirlam1
      @jirlam1 Рік тому +3

      Me too, although on electric scooters, was ace.

    • @slemire58
      @slemire58 Рік тому +3

      HAHA I did it on an electric bike!!!

    • @JoeOvercoat
      @JoeOvercoat Рік тому

      Glorious!

    • @ericsonhazeltine5064
      @ericsonhazeltine5064 Рік тому +1

      Cool! I just walked around it

    • @fredpagniello3267
      @fredpagniello3267 Рік тому +4

      While visiting Romebin July 1991 I ran a lap in the Circus (people used it as a running track). So I finished 2000 years late, but as they say potius sero quam numquam 'better late than never.-

  • @peterreston6478
    @peterreston6478 9 місяців тому +10

    A much needed presentation. The puny Colosseum gets all the hype. The Circus Max should get all the glory.

  • @jirlam1
    @jirlam1 Рік тому +11

    I raced around the Circus Maximus last month on electric scooters, was ace.

  • @29outlaw
    @29outlaw Рік тому +11

    When I was a kid, I would sometimes see 6-7 Italians squeezed into a Fiat 500, so I'm pretty certain they could squeeze 300,000 into the Circus Maximus.

    • @Mr.Death101
      @Mr.Death101 10 місяців тому +1

      I'm from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania in America and I've even seen that over in your country it's like a clown car here in America. I know people were smaller back then but they might have all been more muscular as well so........

  • @sarahschneider5396
    @sarahschneider5396 Рік тому +5

    I'm so glad I found this channel.

    • @AncientRomeLive
      @AncientRomeLive  Рік тому +1

      Thank you! We really suggest our recent videos on the Colosseum, aqueducts, bridges, Pompeii, and the Via Appia series!

  • @Insectoid_
    @Insectoid_ Рік тому +4

    Look at that beautiful blue sky. Imagine being able to see 150,000 people cheering this on… if I could go back in time…. I can continue to dream.

  • @goku101ssgss9
    @goku101ssgss9 10 місяців тому +3

    Man this was a fire song on the album thank you Travis Scott

  • @TheSpaceKidette
    @TheSpaceKidette 5 місяців тому +1

    Loved the detail in this presentation. Especially the symbolism. I am sure that when I finally get to see these things with my own eyes it will be with a greater appreciation for what I am viewing. Thanks again, Darius!

  • @michaellubina
    @michaellubina Рік тому +11

    Thank you for your research and presentation of your hard work! Keep it up!

    • @AncientRomeLive
      @AncientRomeLive  Рік тому +3

      Thanks a lot! Yes we are finding our stride! Please see the past videos +245!

  • @anna-lisagirling7424
    @anna-lisagirling7424 Рік тому +6

    I loved this video! The art work, the ancient mosaics and carvings were wonderful and I really enjoyed the architectural drawings and the paintings of the Circus in its heyday. I kept hearing the roars of the spectators as you described the egg and dolphin counters being tipped with each lap and the thunder of the hooves was also thrilling! Thank you so much for this one.

    • @AncientRomeLive
      @AncientRomeLive  Рік тому +1

      Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for sharing your experience. You made our day! That marble relief from Foligno is a critical document!

  • @spankflaps1365
    @spankflaps1365 Рік тому +14

    Roman NASCAR

    • @AncientRomeLive
      @AncientRomeLive  Рік тому +4

      Yessss! That’s what we always say!

    • @Z__K217
      @Z__K217 Рік тому +3

      And I thought I were so clever. Agreed, yet bloodier given the number of races and exposure. Some Netflix of the past . . . ?

    • @Insectoid_
      @Insectoid_ Рік тому +1

      I’d never name something so elegant after a hillbilly sport 🤭

  • @robertozeladarodriguez5321
    @robertozeladarodriguez5321 4 місяці тому

    How beautiful, but also how incredible a reconstruction is, maintaining the differences with the ruins that remain and a plaque that says that it is a representation of the Circus.

  • @Bart9349
    @Bart9349 Рік тому +2

    What a well-done and informative video. We are so lucky to have your work.
    Like many of your previous videos, I will share this one at our website. Thank you.

  • @richierich7609
    @richierich7609 Рік тому +2

    Brilliant video Darius!

  • @21312732678423
    @21312732678423 Рік тому +3

    Great video!
    Informative and interesting.
    Very good work!
    I really enjoy seeing today's Roman structures vs. them in the past, when they were beautiful and imposing at the same time.

  • @watermunteconomie3938
    @watermunteconomie3938 Рік тому +2

    Always a treat watching your video's!

  • @jacobrocks7
    @jacobrocks7 Рік тому +5

    I was there and was impressed by its scale…chariots were ancient form of nascar racing

  • @michaelschwaiger8071
    @michaelschwaiger8071 Рік тому +1

    That’s a great episode!

  • @michaelbelisle8930
    @michaelbelisle8930 Рік тому

    I just watched this yesterday . I like the way you tell the history and explain it to. Learn the factions colors were for 4 seasons of the year. Great work keep it up.

  • @Marco-zt6fz
    @Marco-zt6fz Рік тому +2

    Thanks for the great explaination

    • @AncientRomeLive
      @AncientRomeLive  Рік тому

      Thanks - and there’s still a lot more to say about the track. So stayed tuned for more insights on this incredible venue!

  • @inLegacy
    @inLegacy 2 місяці тому

    so exciting to see ancient people you know... having fun, hot dogs, toyota giveaways etc..

  • @WalkingToursVlog
    @WalkingToursVlog Рік тому

    Very interesting video! I looked with pleasure! Thanks for sharing!

  • @staroceans8677
    @staroceans8677 Рік тому +1

    Brilliant love your content. Thank you so much for the videos ❤

  • @toma110363
    @toma110363 Рік тому +4

    Awesome! Thank you once more for another piece of Italy. Love the country. Was there in 1999

  • @antonioperez2623
    @antonioperez2623 Рік тому

    Fantastic video. Thanks.

  • @verygoodvibes
    @verygoodvibes 11 місяців тому +1

    this video is very good glimpse back. time changes and erases so many things, that are now hidden from most or lost to antiquity forever.

  • @karenthompson9906
    @karenthompson9906 Рік тому

    Best ever description of the circus Maximus,

  • @smokeylake3150
    @smokeylake3150 Рік тому

    Thank you this history lesson.

  • @peterbarrett5496
    @peterbarrett5496 4 місяці тому

    150k is sooo Epic, it defines the word, that's like everybody in Rome Sheesh

  • @triplex706
    @triplex706 Рік тому

    Thank You a lot!

  • @jceepf
    @jceepf 9 місяців тому +2

    One small mistake: the Septizodium would not be there at the time of Trajan.

  • @marthaarya167
    @marthaarya167 Рік тому

    Great!

  • @RP-mm9ie
    @RP-mm9ie Рік тому

    Thanks

  • @andyroo9381
    @andyroo9381 Рік тому +9

    Today, just watching a normal horse race (Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, etc.) is attention grabbing. I can't imagine watching a chariot race, with 4 horses and multiple competitors, and being drawn into the excitement of the time. With the Emperor of Rome there and other wealthy Senators and citizens. The Romans created so much, for us, that is still left.

  • @gaius_enceladus
    @gaius_enceladus Рік тому +2

    What a pity that it's not as well-preserved as the Coliseum!
    It's also a pity that the lighthouse of Alexandria is no longer around (destroyed by earthquakes) - what a sight *that* would be!

    • @AncientRomeLive
      @AncientRomeLive  Рік тому +1

      We agree!

    • @LondonPower
      @LondonPower Рік тому +1

      The minarets in the mosques is the continuation of the pharos of Alexandria if you see their shape resemble the lighthouse of Alexandria
      Minaret in Arabic means fire 😂

  • @smokeylake3150
    @smokeylake3150 Рік тому +2

    Now the big circus is Washington DC

  • @lisashears1399
    @lisashears1399 Рік тому

    Was there in 2019 for my 44th birthday and God willing we will be back ASAP.

    • @AncientRomeLive
      @AncientRomeLive  Рік тому

      Always a crowd pleaser! Good luck with your return visit!

  • @paoloviti6156
    @paoloviti6156 Рік тому +4

    Very interesting, what a shame very little is left. The Circus Maximus was built to accommodate around 150.000 people sitting and was the first and largest stadium in Roman Empire. In truth it was one of the bloodiest games with many charioteer has died...

    • @Mumbo_Jumbo_Kiwi.1
      @Mumbo_Jumbo_Kiwi.1 4 місяці тому +1

      150-300k+ capacity. Their hasn't been anything like it since

    • @paoloviti6156
      @paoloviti6156 4 місяці тому

      @@Mumbo_Jumbo_Kiwi.1 mind you that it is estimated but you are correct because the Circuse Maximinus in Costantinopolis was possibly holding less than the half compared to that in Rome...

  • @brianedwards7142
    @brianedwards7142 Рік тому +1

    Chicus, Harpus, Grouchus and Zeppus get up to wacky hijinks at the racetrack before Zeppus sings an ode with the rest of the cast as Greek chorus. Four thumbs up. 👍👍👍👍

    • @annanardo2358
      @annanardo2358 Рік тому +1

      Would have preferred Chicus,Grouchus,Harpus & Zeppus to a bloody horse race w/ a pile of dead bodies & horses w/ broken bones. Such cruelty to animals is a thumbs down. Whereas, the 3 I mean 4 Stooges would have been my preferred choice of entertainment !!

  • @davidhart8621
    @davidhart8621 Рік тому +4

    Sad that so little remains of it.

    • @AncientRomeLive
      @AncientRomeLive  Рік тому +2

      Yea but the eastern end - now an archaeological site- is a must for those wanting to explore what IS excavated - you can ascend to the upper level and climb up the medieval tower!

    • @ashharris7293
      @ashharris7293 Рік тому +2

      The majority of what is left of the substructures remain mostly unexcavated. The current ground level is several meters above the ancient track level, even the eastern end is not excavated to the the track level. There are water table issues here that would have to be addressed by a massive works project to enable a large scale excavation if there was a desire to open air more of the structure.

    • @AncientRomeLive
      @AncientRomeLive  Рік тому +2

      @@ashharris7293 Yes, the sovrintendenza comunale conducted in the recent past some core sampling arriving almost at the arena level. The intention remains to excavate a portion within the fencing of the archaeological site. It would be a very costly project. Let's see if they ever get the funding. We are sure they will, but it's a question of when.

  • @zou6492
    @zou6492 Рік тому

    Very interesting 👍 Greetings from Belgium 😉🇧🇪🖐️🏛️

  • @JoeOvercoat
    @JoeOvercoat Рік тому +1

    10:04 oh yes a cross is exactly what was missing

  • @alessandrodelmonte5765
    @alessandrodelmonte5765 9 місяців тому

    Eterne magnificenze dell arte e della gloria di Roma.

  • @DonariaRegia
    @DonariaRegia Рік тому

    Which of these best describes an ancient Roman festival: a ho-down, a hootenanny, or a wingding?

  • @YE._._.
    @YE._._. 5 місяців тому

    Shi Travis had some fun

  • @michaelbelisle8930
    @michaelbelisle8930 Рік тому

    This just became my go to channel for the history of ancient Rome. Plan to do a second comment on this video . Can't right now my tablet battery is running low.⁹

  • @glenchapman3899
    @glenchapman3899 Рік тому +1

    I have a question. In the architectural drawing of the circus you showed. The Spina seemed to be slightly off set at an angle. Was that my bad eyes, or was it really built like that. If so does anyone knows why.

    • @AncientRomeLive
      @AncientRomeLive  Рік тому +1

      Yes, indeed. As we mentioned, the starting blocks were intentionally staggered so that all teams traveled the same distance to the actual starting line (red line on the video).

  • @bill9989
    @bill9989 Рік тому +3

    Wonderful, informative video. Thank you. I'm traveling to Rome in mid May of this year. I have many "must do's" including walking a lap of the Circus Maximus. Is there an admission fee (well worth a fee) and do I need to reserve an admission?
    P.S. you helped me with another "must do," the Appian Way.

    • @AncientRomeLive
      @AncientRomeLive  Рік тому

      Thanks a lot. We are pleased we can help you with your visit to Rome. The Circus Maximus is free to all- yes take a lap! The small archaeological park is on the eastern end- for an admission fee. No reservation required. Enjoy the Appian Way walk or bike ride near Rome. It's a must experience. Say hi- at least virtually- by live chats on IG, Twitter, and so on. @dariusarya is always out and about in Rome as well.

    • @RobertPaterson
      @RobertPaterson Рік тому

      There is no fee for walking in the CM site

    • @bill9989
      @bill9989 Рік тому

      @@RobertPaterson Thanks, Robert.

    • @bill9989
      @bill9989 Рік тому

      @@AncientRomeLive Thanks, and will do.

  • @marcusaurelius5576
    @marcusaurelius5576 Рік тому +1

    So incredibly masculine grueling and dangerous. My ancestral Roman lineage from that part of Italy just ignites when visiting as I did recently and while enjoying these descriptions.

  • @mariaantonellabizzarri3812
    @mariaantonellabizzarri3812 Рік тому

    👏👏👏👏

  • @LondonPower
    @LondonPower Рік тому

    Circus Maximus it was the Roman answer to Direct democracy and the public assemblies of the people in the ancient Greek world
    It was the beginning of the dark of the middle ages

    • @AncientRomeLive
      @AncientRomeLive  Рік тому

      A phenomenal venue for the public to address the emperor.

  • @plod9645
    @plod9645 3 дні тому

    Looking forward to seeing David Gilmour here in Sept 2024

  • @SJam491
    @SJam491 10 місяців тому +2

    Too bad so little of the Circus Maximus is left.

  • @elisabethcrisci7121
    @elisabethcrisci7121 Рік тому

    Absolutely fantastic series, but if you could upgrade the audio -- maybe a new microphone?

  • @AudieHolland
    @AudieHolland Рік тому

    Are you sure the Carceres numbered 6 each, beside the triumphal gate?
    On you GCI, I can see 12 Carceres but no triumphal gate.
    On the other blue prints (I guess) there are only 5 Carceres, on each side of the triumphal gate.

    • @AncientRomeLive
      @AncientRomeLive  Рік тому

      Yes, that's tricky. We showed some old plans alongside the more recent studies.

  • @TrailerParkPimpin65
    @TrailerParkPimpin65 11 місяців тому +4

    UTOPIA opin the gates!!!!

  • @RemseyYT
    @RemseyYT 3 дні тому

    I wonder how the Circus Maximus could have been destroyed because nothing flammable was inside or were there wooden structures inside?

  • @69waveydavey
    @69waveydavey Рік тому

    Passed it on the tourist bus, didn't get back to it, hopefully next time. Another interesting one.

    • @AncientRomeLive
      @AncientRomeLive  Рік тому

      Next time! It's great to walk the length of it, to get a sense of the size!

  • @DrivingDallas214
    @DrivingDallas214 6 місяців тому

    The Colosseum has entered the chat**

  • @simon-oy6um
    @simon-oy6um Рік тому

    I'm thinking NASCAR with chariots

  • @WasFakestCenturyAesthetics
    @WasFakestCenturyAesthetics 4 місяці тому

    i can't believe it was real

  • @oobrocks
    @oobrocks 2 місяці тому

    Another utube channel says the Circus Max held “250,000;” an obvious exaggeration

  • @harrylime8077
    @harrylime8077 Рік тому

    Isn't that where Charleton Heston kicked Stephen Boyds Gluteus Maximus???!!!

  • @billparker244
    @billparker244 Рік тому +1

    It surprises me that classicists and historians don't pronounce classic Latin words properly. I would think they'd be excited to do so. I'm just an amateur and even I go nuts for those hard C's lol

  • @bobschueler4342
    @bobschueler4342 5 місяців тому

    You missed one other event that happened here - the persecution and annihilation of early followers of Jesus Christ. Nero hated them because they worshipped a God other than him. His persecution of Christians in A.D. 64-67 was very severe in and around Rome.

  • @ladyhonor822
    @ladyhonor822 Рік тому

    THEY WERE NOT DRIVING TOYOTA ❤
    PHILADELPHIA USA 🇺🇲

  • @timkbirchico8542
    @timkbirchico8542 Рік тому

    voice tones are a bit too sharp. for more views round off the edges of the voice tone. try talking from the chest a bit more and less talking through the nose. thanks for the vid.

  • @SusanDianeHowell
    @SusanDianeHowell 3 місяці тому

    The Great Imposter.
    1 And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me, saying: Look! And I looked and beheld many nations and kingdoms.
    2 And the angel said unto me: What beholdest thou? And I said: I behold many nations and kingdoms.
    3 And he said unto me: These are the nations and kingdoms of the Gentiles.
    4 And it came to pass that I saw among the nations of the Gentiles the formation of a great church.
    5 And the angel said unto me: Behold the formation of a church which is most abominable above all other churches, which slayeth the saints of God, yea, and tortureth them and bindeth them down, and yoketh them with a yoke of iron, and bringeth them down into captivity.
    6 And it came to pass that I beheld this great and abominable church; and I saw the devil that he was the founder of it.
    7 And I also saw gold, and silver, and silks, and scarlets, and fine-twined linen, and all manner of precious clothing; and I saw many harlots.
    8 And the angel spake unto me, saying: Behold the gold, and the silver, and the silks, and the scarlets, and the fine-twined linen, and the precious clothing, and the harlots, are the desires of this great and abominable church.
    9 And also for the praise of the world do they destroy the saints of God, and bring them down into captivity.
    - 1 Nephi 13:1-9
    The Book of Mormon

  • @richardfirsten2364
    @richardfirsten2364 Рік тому

    I wish you would use the classical pronunciation of the Romans, Darius, not so-called Church Latin pronunciation. For example, 'carceres' should be pronounced 'KAR-keh-res', not 'KAR-cheh-res'.

    • @AncientRomeLive
      @AncientRomeLive  Рік тому

      "Should be pronounced" actually depends on where you are in the world... in @dariusarya's case- he WAS trained in the US- but sometimes slips into the Italian "Latin" pronunciation at times, after so many years in Italy. But we do know where you are coming from!

    • @rayyanez3527
      @rayyanez3527 Рік тому

      Picky !😅😅. Are We !!!!!??

  • @annanardo2358
    @annanardo2358 Рік тому +2

    Uncalled for fanaticism back in those days. Such carnage for an irrelevant so called spectacle. I mean, who wants to see a pile of dead horsemen ? I wouldn't . And the cruelty caused to those horses is just shameful. I wouldn't find chariot racing appealing in any way. Those people were crazy in those days, and I feel mostly for the animals that were made to suffer all for what ???? Some stupid childish games ?? Childish, never giving a thought to maturity. They needed to act their age and behave responsibly instead of killing themselves and those poor horses, that were terrified out of their wits, being forced to run ever faster and whipped in the process. Thumbs down to those so called "games". There was no fun about it.😖😖😖😒🙄🙄🙄 I would have found those games absolutely boring. Low class rednecks.

    • @AncientRomeLive
      @AncientRomeLive  Рік тому

      Such sporting events also tied to glorifying the gods! Led to outright fanaticism... Over in Italy it's commonly said that calcio is the main religion-- sports still dominate in our lives- and carry us to emotional highs!

    • @PatSmith-wi1kz
      @PatSmith-wi1kz 4 місяці тому

      You need to tone it down or you will be classified as a snowflake karen

  • @Louis-ef4eb
    @Louis-ef4eb Рік тому

    1st Saturday in May! Louisville Kentucky!