EntertainmentRepublic

 **__Roman__** **__Republic__** **__Entertainment__** Ancient Rome was one of the greatest and most successful cities to ever exist. They were highly advanced in their technology and how they functioned in both military and daily life. One important aspect of their lives was entertainment. They went to great lengths to entertain and provide great games in their republic. Some of the main types of entertainment that they hosted was circuses and chariot races. Most of the chariot races were held in circuses such as the Circus Maximus. There was a team of horses for the chariot races called the auriga, and they drew the chariots in teams of two. The chariots were built for speed and were usually driven by slaves but some were professionals.(Mattingly) The circus races were held in huge oval racing tracks called circuses. There were four major tracks, the Circus of Caligula and Nero, the Circus Flaminius, the Circus Maxentius, and the Circus Maximus, which was the oldest and most popular. The Circus Maximus had a seating capacity of about 150,000 to 250,00 or more and was located in a valley between the Palantine and Aventine hills. The great circus was built around 300 B.C. and was remodeled in 74 B.C. using seven wooden balls, which were placed on top of the central wall in the arena. (Chaszar) The charioteers raced around a dividing wall called a spina. (Nardo 9-112) The chariot races could be dangerous and the drivers were often killed when the chariots tipped over. Since the racing circuit floor was sand, there could be no lanes, and they had little rules by which to follow. The Romans enjoyed watching the races because of their excitement and as a pleasurable activity. The emperor also attended chariot races in the Circus Maximus and sat in a private box to watch the races. (Chaszar) The last games that were held in the Circus Maximus were around 500 A.D. and then it was never used again. (Chaszar) But even now we are able to know about the games held there many years ago because of the remains of the Circus Maximus which allowed us to discover the types of entertainment the Romans had and why they were known as one of the greatest cities of all times.

Works Cited:
 * 1) Chaszar, David . "Circus Maximus ." __World History__ 2008 1. 4 Dec 2008 [].
 * 2) Klar, Laura S. "Theater and Amphitheater in the Roman World". In //Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History//. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/tham/hd_tham.htm (October 2008)
 * 1) Lendering, Jona . "Circus of Maxentius ." __Articles on Ancient History__ (1996) 1. 3 Dec 2008 http://www.livius.org/a/italy/rome/circusmaxentius/circusmaxentius.html.
 * 2) Mattingly, David . "Chariot Races." __Roman Culture__ 2003 1. 3 Dec 2008 http://www.unrv.com/culture/chariot-races.php
 * 3) Nardo, Don. __Living in Ancient Rome__. New York : Greehaven Press, 2004.