Roman Entertainment Chariot Racing By Nora Stenson Origins

Roman Entertainment: Chariot Racing By Nora Stenson

Origins of Chariot Racing Chariot racing dates back to the first known peoples in the area of Rome, the Etruscans, in the 5 th-6 th century When chariot races, also known as ludi circenses in Latin, took place they were usually for religious festivals honoring chariot driving deities such as Sol and Luna, but as they became more popular were held on non-religious days when sponsored by Roman magistrates and dignitaries Pictured above is the god of the sun, Sol, driving a chariot. This image ties the roots of chariot racing to religion.

The oldest and largest circus in Rome is the Circus Maximus A circus is where the chariot races took place. They were named this because of their oval shape.

The Circus The open oval shape of the circus was divided down the middle by a strip called the spina which was held down by poles called the meta. This made for incredibly tight turns at either end of the spina, which often led to dangerous accidents. This photo shows the accident prone meta that held down the ends of the spina This photo gives a better view of the middle divider, the spina

Racing The actual race track was made of sand, meaning there were no lanes in chariot racing a staggered gate system was used by the Romans, known as carceres to make sure no position in the circus had the advantage The winner of the race was the first chariot to complete 7 rounds This modern representation of a Roman chariot race shows the staggering of the chariots before the race begins

Racing The team of horses was called the auriga The best horse in the race was the funalis, which was the horse on the extreme left Two-horse teams were known as a biga, a three-horse a triga, and a four -horse team was a quadriga A quadriga is pictured. Together the four horses are the auriga, and the most effective horse is the funalis, which is on the left

Accidents and the Driver Accidents were very common in chariot racing because after starting the race, there were virtually no rules. Roman style chariot racing had the driver standing upright, leaning forward, wearing a tunic with his team color, and a light helmet. The reigns were wrapped around the arm, so if anything happened to the chariot the driver would be pulled with it. Pictured is the very common accident of turning around the meta, where most chariots were taken out from one chariot’s mistake

Charioteers Drivers were the sports superstars of Ancient Rome Drivers were called aurigae or agitatores Many drivers were slaves, but if they were successful drivers they bought their freedom An example of the very famous charioteers: Gaius Appuleius Diocles

Popularity of Chariot Racing Was the most popular sport in Rome, and appealed to all social classes Many were intrigued with the betting that came along with chariot racing The people of Rome became fans of the different factiones, or different stables, that were represented by different colors, much like today when people support their favorite sports teams Viewers of the race held out the colors of the factiones they supported

Popularity of Chariot Racing The lamp We know today how popular chariot racing was in Ancient Rome because of household items found such as terra-cotta lamps and signet rings that portray scenes of chariot racing from those ancient times. The ring