The Colosseum was the Roman Empires largest amphitheater, but it was not the largest stadium.
That title belonged to Circus Maximus, situated just over half a kilometer southwest of the Colosseum.
Circus Maximus was the first stadium the Romans built.
The tracks were more than 600 meters long and 150 meters wide.
The stadium had a seating capacity between 150,000 and 250,000, according to various sources.
A model of Circus Maximus.
Games were a popular form of entertainment during Roman times.
Days on which ludi were held were declared public holidays, and no business could be conducted.
Its remarkable that the Romans got any work done because ludi were held throughout the year.
Sometimes, as many as 135 days were spent on these entertainments in a single year.
Many of these were held at Circus Maximus.
Chariot races were the most extravagant events.
The spinae was elaborately decorated with statues, obelisks and columns.
In 169 BCE, a beast-hunt was organized using 63 leopards and 40 bears and elephants.
Another time, the Roman general Pompey organized a contest between a group of gladiators and 20 elephants.
Circus Maximus continued to hold chariot races, until 549 AD, when the last race took place.
The site then fell into disuse.
The locals cannibalized the structure and carried off stones and other building materials.
Floods buried the lower level with alluvial soil and accumulated debris.
The original tracks now lie 6 meters underneath.
Very little of the original building remains today.
Sections of the seating and one end of the curved tracks are all that is visible.
Photo:Byron T./Flickr
Photo:Lena Ivanova/Shutterstock.com
View of Circus Maximus.
The tower is of medieval origin.
Photo:Kiev.Victor/Shutterstock.com
Aerial photo of Circus Maximus.
Photo:Aerial-motion/Shutterstock.com
View of the Circus.
The tower in the foreground is part of a medieval fortification.
