Circus Maximus

It was Rome's first and largest circus, built in 329 BC and later expanded to accommodate close to 350,000 spectators and it measured 600 metres multiplied by 200 metres. In other words, a serious facility!

The magnificent circus is located between the Palatine and Aventine Hills. The centre line was originally guarded by two Egyptian obelisks, one of which now stands in Piazza del Popolo and the other in front of the church of S. Giovanni in Laterano.

What remains of Circus Maximus today dates back to Imperial times, but it's easy to imagine this magnificent facility packed with cheering and excited spectators.