Rome
The Circus Maximus
The Circus Maximus, which means “largest circus”, was constructed between the Aventine and Palatine hills in Rome as a stadium for chariot racing and other large-scale events. As the Latin translation suggests, it was the largest stadium within the city of Rome and also one of the largest stadiums in the Roman world.
The stadium measures 621 metres in length and 118 metres in width. These measurements include multiple reconstructions and enlargements over time. In the stadium's original state, it allowed 150,000 spectators to watch the events, but after the final enlargements it could hold up to 250,000 spectators. The track has a central barrier known as a spina which is decorated with obelisks (Egyptian needle-shaped sculptures), statues and lap counters in the shape of dolphins and eggs.
The seating is arranged in a class system with lower seating for the Emperor, senators and elites and higher seating for plebeians (common people), with a separate area for women. This was so that wealthier people had a better view. Other notable features of the architecture are the Carceres, the twelve gates that allow the quadriga chariots to enter the track. There are also Metae (turning posts) at each end of the track. Events that were held here include chariot racing, usually in red, blue, green and white teams, and the ludi (games), a religious festival that included races and theatre.
For further information, see the following links:
The Circus Maximus: turismoroma.it
The Circus Maximus: penelope.uchicgo.edu
The Circus Maximus: worldhistory.org
The Colosseum
The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, was constructed between 70-80 AD under the Emperor Vespasian and was later completed by Emperor Titus. Located in the centre of Rome, it was the largest of its kind in the Roman world. It is constructed in an elliptical shape (elongated circle) and measures 189m in length, 156 metres in width and 58m in height. There were four tiers of seating available, and 80 entrances allowing for efficient entrance and exit.
Notable features of the Colosseum were the velarium (a retractable awning that was used to provide shade for the spectators), and the hypogeum (underground tunnels and cages that housed the gladiators and animals that were used in the fights). The purpose of the amphitheatre was to host gladiator games, animal hunts known as venationes, public executions, and even naval battles (naumachiae), in which the Colosseum was flooded to create a pretend sea or lake.
These events were free to the public and often paid for by either the emperor of wealthy roman individuals, often in order to gain popularity and keep peace in the city. Similar to the Circus Maximus. the seating had a hierarchy: the Emperor, vestal virgins and senators closest to the area, followed by equestrians on the second tier, then plebeians, women and slaves on the higher tiers closest to the open roof. After the fall of the Roman empire the Colosseum fell into disrepair as a result of earthquakes, vandalism and looting.
For further information, see the following links:
The Colosseum: thecolosseum.org