PR-2237IRE Ancient Rome

Roman Life – Entertainment
Circuses
Roman circuses were racetracks used for chariot
races, which were popular with thousands of
Roman citizens. The Romans packed into the circus
to cheer on their teams – the blues, greens, reds and
whites–who wore tunics dyed with their team colour
like the rest of their clothing. Chariot racing was the
oldest and most popular entertainment in the
Roman world and huge amounts of money were
gambled on the teams and favourite charioteers. So
much money was gambled at circus races, some
emperors set limits on how much could be spent.
Perhaps it was popular because men and women
could sit together, whereas in amphitheatres women
sat at the back. The earliest circus in Rome was the
giant Circus Maximus which could seat over 150 000
spectators and hold up to 250 000. Unfortunately, the
building has not survived. A race could include up to
Activity Box
The Circus Maximus
Solve the puzzle using words from
the notes.
Across
1. Indicator
4. First
5. Physical
contests
9. A cart
10. Fatalities
15. Contest
16. Not heavy
19. Number of
kilometres
covered
20. Rate of
movement
21. Team colour
22. Team colour
Down
2. Remainder
3. The rear
6. Piece of
clothing
7. Chariot
driver
8. Wagered
11. Lasted
Pick a team colour and colour in your charioteer
and the decoration on the horses’ heads.
12. Circuits
13. Number of
laps raced
14. Enormous
A biga chariot.
12 chariots which went round seven laps and covered
about eight kilometres. As each lap was completed, a
marker was taken down so the charioteers would
know how far they had raced. The chariots were very
light for maximum speed and serious injuries, even
deaths, were common. Successful charioteers became
famous and as popular as Formula 1 drivers today.
Circuses were also used for occasional horse races,
athletics and contests between gladiators.
Viewing Sample
17. Huge
18. A group
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