CIRCUS MAXIMUS

The Circus Maximus is an ancient Roman circus, dedicated to horse racing, built in Rome.Located in the valley between the Palatine and the Aventine, is remembered as a venue for games since the beginning of the city's history: in the valley would have been the mythical episode of the rape of the Sabines, on the occasion of the games organized by Romulus in honor of the god Consus.

Certainly the wide flat space and its proximity to the Tiber landing where the most remote antiquity took place the commercial exchanges, meant that the place constituted since the foundation of the city the elective space in which to conduct market activities and exchanges with other populations, and also related ritual and socializing activities, such as games and competitions. With its 600 meters in length and 140 in width, it is considered the largest structure for shows built by man.

In times of maximum turnout, it could accommodate from 250,000 people to 300,000 with standing places. Recent excavations have brought to light the findings that allow us to better delineate the ancient features of the circus, a myriad of shops, stalls and taverns surrounding the racing area.

An imposing and majestic place, symbol of imperial Rome and its splendor, is one of the wonders of Rome.