The Circus Maximus

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The Circus Maximus

The Circus Maximus (Greatest Circus), or Circo Massimo in Italian, most definitely lived up to its title of the greatest. Measuring at 2,037 by 387 feet, this was the largest building in ancient Rome and the empire. The Circus Maximus was truly a great feat in Roman architecture and engineering alike. The Circus Maximus is located in the most important of all Roman cities, the capital city of Rome. This site, among many, is very important in the history of Rome.

The Circus Maximus was located between two of the seven Hills of Rome, the Palatine and the Aventine, in the area known as the Vallis Murcia (Valley of Murcia). The land was thought to be very fertile for agriculture, due to flooding from the Tiber River. Originally, the races were held in agricultural landscape that was "nothing more than turning posts, banks where spectators could sit, and some shrines and sacred spots" (Humphery). Wooden seating for royalty was the first way for spectators to watch, then came wooden structures on the opposite side of the Circus. Ceaser brought change to the Circus by building more permanent wooden bleachers, for the common men and women of Rome. Stone seating was put in for a section reserved for senators, this section also had ornate sculptures. The Circus at the end of Republican time was ,estimated by Pliny the Elder, to seat around 250,000 Romans in its many tiers. Throughout the Empire, many small fires occurred which was a reason for rebuilding the circus several times. There were few improvements from the on, such as an arch built for Titus and water basins.

The Circus Maximus was a very important site to the Romans in religion as it was entertainment. The Circus Maximus housed the Ludi Romani ...

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... lead to a great amount of brutality in the heart of the Empire, causing more and more military takeovers to sate their hungers for bloodshed. It also was important because it had many important connections to religion with the Ludi Romani honoring Jupiter. The site is also very important because it connects Romans to many modern day people. Many people in current times spend all of their free time watching daring spectactles and strange events because they value entertainment over all else. To put it bluntly, the Circus Maximus is important because it helps show similarities between the modern and ancient worlds.

Bibliography

Cartwright, Mark. "Circus Maximus." Ancient History Encyclopedia. N.p., 12 June 2013. Web. 02 Apr. 2014.

http://www.romewelcome.com/monumenti/circus-maximus-en.htm

"Circus Maximus." Circus Maximus. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 May 2014.

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