During the Roman Empire, Romes citizens flocked to the Cirus Maximus where they got loads of free public entertainment. This large arena could hold up to 250,000 spectators, that was nearly one quarter of Rome’s population at the time!

Nearly everyone is familiar with the Chariot races that took place at the circus. For these races to occur, a large rectanguler area was divided in the middle by a low running wall called the spina. The chariots raced around these. Never ones to go for the minimalist look, the Romans splashed out on various fountains, obelisks, columns and statues of various Gods, which were situated on the spina.

The arena was designed with chariot racing in mind but other events like animal hunts, gladiator combats and atheletic events took place there too.

Today, the arena still holds the occasional event such as various concerts and meetings. On July 2nd 2005, Live 8 was held at the Circus and many people also came to the Circus in 2006 to celebrate the Italians victory in the soccer World Cup.