Coming down from the Palatine, the Circus Maximus stretches out before you.
At its peak it could hold 250,000 spectators — a quarter of Rome's entire population.
It is the largest entertainment venue ever built.
Chariot racing was Rome's great obsession.
The four racing teams — the Blues, Greens, Reds, and Whites — had passionate followings that cut across class lines.
Emperors aligned themselves publicly with teams.
Riots broke out when races went the wrong way.
The track was 600 metres long and 150 metres wide.
Races were seven laps.
Charioteers were the sports stars of the ancient world — celebrated, wealthy, and frequently killed.
Fun fact: a successful charioteer named Gaius Appuleius Diocles is estimated to have earned the equivalent of $15 billion over his career — making him, by some calculations, the highest-paid athlete in human history.
