Chapter
9 Chapter
9
The Circus Maximus, begun by Julius Caesar and finished by Augustus, could hold a quarter of a million people. Chariot races were held there.
Romulus is supposed to have originated the concept of chariot racing in 346 B.C. They continued through the sixth century A.D.
There were 12 teams of horses, competing 4, 6, 8, or all 12 at a time under different colors. Red and white were the royal colors; later, green and blue were added. The course was 2,000 feet long and the horses ran seven laps (which would be about three miles). The laps were measured by movable eggs (the emblems of Castor and Pollux) and dolphins (the emblems of Neptune). Castor, Pollux, and Neptune were gods who looked after horses.
The floor was sand, to soak up the blood.
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