Chariot races in ancient Rome

Chariot races were one of the most popular and spectacular forms of entertainment in ancient Rome. They were more than just a sport—they were an integral part of Roman culture, religion, and politics. In this article, we aim to compile everything you need to know about chariot races in ancient Rome: what they were, where they took place, how they were conducted, why they were so important, and how you can experience them today.

Imagine standing in a massive stadium packed with tens of thousands of excited spectators, larger than the biggest football stadiums in the world. You hear the trumpet signal announcing the start of the race. The gates fly open, and you see the charioteers urging their horses forward to be the first out of the starting gate. You feel the tension, the emotions, and the passion filling the air. You cheer for your team as they fiercely battle for victory. You celebrate when your team takes the lead, or hold your breath when there’s an accident. You’re witnessing a chariot race in ancient Rome.

Chariot races were a form of competition where two or more teams of charioteers competed with their horses. The charioteers drove light, fast chariots pulled by two or four horses. The races consisted of several laps around an oval track marked by two tight turns. The goal was to be the first to cross the finish line—or to survive the race. In Rome’s famous “stadium,” the Circus Maximus, a race typically consisted of 7 laps, covering about 6 kilometers.

Chariot races were not a Roman invention. They originated in the ancient cultures of the Near East and Greece. The Romans adopted the concept and developed it into one of their favorite forms of entertainment. For the Romans, chariot races were more than just a sport—they were a significant part of their religion, culture, and politics.

Chariot Racing and Religion

Chariot races were closely tied to Roman beliefs in the gods. They were often held as part of religious festivals or as a way of giving thanks for divine favor. The charioteers and their horses were blessed before the races, and a portion of their winnings was offered to the gods afterward. The races were also a way to honor the gods or seek their assistance. However, the Romans enjoyed chariot races so much that they began creating new occasions, such as commemorative events, just to stage them.

A Reflection of Roman Culture

Chariot races were an expression of Roman culture and identity. They embodied Roman values such as bravery, skill, honor, and competition. They provided Romans with a way to have fun, relax, and indulge their passions. They also fostered a sense of community and belonging among spectators, who divided themselves into different teams or factions and supported them with great enthusiasm, regardless of their social standing.

A Political Tool

Chariot races were also a tool of Roman politics and governance. They were often organized or funded by emperors or other powerful figures to appease or impress the populace. They allowed emperors to demonstrate their power and wealth or increase their popularity. For the public, the races provided an opportunity to express opinions, voice dissatisfaction, or make demands.

The Spectacle of Chariot Races

Chariot races were one of the most popular and spectacular forms of entertainment in ancient Rome. They attracted millions of spectators and generated enormous revenue. They were held in hundreds of stadiums across the empire and are documented in numerous historical sources. Chariot races also inspired many artists and writers, who depicted or described them in their works.

Chariot races were held in special stadiums called Circus (plural: Circi). These stadiums were large, oval, or rectangular structures that surrounded a long and narrow racetrack

The racetrack was surrounded by a wall or fence that separated the spectators from the chariots. In the middle of the track was a raised platform called the Spina (meaning “thorn”). The Spina was decorated with statues, obelisks, fountains, or other ornaments. At each end of the Spina were two cone-shaped posts called Metae (turning markers). Charioteers had to race around these posts in each lap without touching or damaging them.

Spectators sat in grandstands arranged along the length of the track. These stands were divided into several rows or sectors, offering seats based on social status or allegiance to a team. The best seats were located near the start and finish gates or the emperor’s box, which faced the Spina. The worst seats were near the curves or in the upper rows.

Chariot races were held in many cities across the Roman Empire, but the most important and famous ones took place in Rome itself. Rome had several Circi, but the largest and most renowned was the Circus Maximus.

The Circus Maximus was the oldest and largest stadium for chariot races in Rome. Built in the 6th century BC, it was expanded and renovated multiple times over the centuries. It measured approximately 600 meters in length and 150 meters in width, with a capacity of around 250,000 spectators. The Circus Maximus hosted some of the most famous and significant chariot races in Roman history.

The Circus Maximus is partially preserved today and can be visited. It stands as a testament to the grandeur and glory of Roman chariot races. Modern VR technology now makes it possible to see the Circus Maximus in its full splendor and experience thrilling chariot races “live.”

Learn more about the Circus Maximus.

A typical chariot race in ancient Rome unfolded as follows:

Before the race, the charioteers and their horses were presented to the emperor or the organizer of the event. They wore colorful tunics and helmets representing their team or faction. There were four main factions: Red, Blue, Green, and White. Each faction had its own symbols, supporters, and rivalries.

After the presentation, the charioteers and their horses were led to the starting gate, which consisted of twelve stalls. These stalls were assigned through a lottery system to ensure a fair start. The charioteers harnessed their horses and awaited the starting signal.

The race began when a white flag or cloth, held by the emperor or the organizer, was dropped. Once the signal was given, the gates opened, and the chariots surged onto the track.

The race consisted of seven laps, equivalent to a total distance of approximately 6 kilometers (in the Circus Maximus).

The races were incredibly thrilling, emotional, and dangerous. Charioteers needed not only speed but also skillful maneuvering to overtake, block, or eliminate their opponents. They had to navigate tight curves without touching the Metae or overturning. On the straights, the chariots could reach speeds of up to 70 km/h, but they had to slow down drastically before the curves to avoid tipping over. Charioteers also had to remain aware of the spectators, who cheered, booed, or even threw objects at them.

The race ended when the finish line was crossed, or when all other charioteers were eliminated—an outcome that was not uncommon. The finish line was marked by a post or statue near the starting gate. The number of laps was tracked using wooden dolphins or eggs on the Spina, which were raised or lowered after each lap.

The winner of the race was celebrated with great applause and cheers. He was awarded a laurel wreath and a cash prize, which could be extraordinarily large. Victorious charioteers earned salaries comparable to modern-day football stars.

Modern technology makes near-time travel possible. In Rome, you can visit the site of the Circus Maximus. While most of the structures no longer exist, the area remains, and the sheer scale of this “stadium” is still fascinating.

Additionally, Virtual Reality tours now offer the chance to experience the Circus Maximus in all its glory. Want to “be there” as the chariots race through the arena? That’s part of the experience. As mentioned, it’s almost like traveling back in time.

Chariot racing was as popular among the Romans as football is in modern-day Europe. The charioteers were the stars of the races. They were the ones who drove the chariots, controlled the horses, and thrilled the spectators. But they were also the ones who risked their lives in pursuit of fame, wealth, and freedom.

Charioteers were typically slaves, freedmen, or foreigners from the lower classes of Roman society. They had low social and legal status and were often despised or discriminated against, at least until they became victorious. They were recruited, trained, and paid by the owners of the chariots or racing stables. They had to sign a contract that outlined their rights and obligations.

Charioteering was a tough and dangerous job. Charioteers trained extensively to improve their skills and endurance. Beyond physical fitness and dexterity, they needed a deep understanding of horses and had to form a close bond with their team to achieve maximum speed. Strategy and tactics were also crucial, perhaps most comparable to modern Formula 1 racing.

Despite the hardships, charioteers were the absolute heroes of the races. They could gain immense popularity and recognition if they were successful. Winning also brought significant financial rewards, whether through prize money or gifts from fans and sponsors. For many, the ultimate prize was freedom and social mobility, which was otherwise unattainable for slaves. Victorious charioteers could amass enormous wealth, often earning more in a single race than many craftsmen or merchants would in an entire year.

Charioteers were, therefore, both the stars and the victims of the races. They lived in a constant cycle of triumph and tragedy, hope and fear, life and death.

The richest athlete of all time didn’t play tennis, golf, or football but was a Roman charioteer named Gaius Appuleius Diocles (2nd century AD). Over his career, he earned approximately 36 million sesterces in prize money. Historians have calculated that, adjusted to today’s values (as of 2010), this would amount to around 15 billion dollars.

Diocles must have been exceptionally talented—the true GOAT. He survived 24 years on the racetrack, competed in over 4,000 races, raced for three stables, and retired at the age of 42. Alive!

This achievement alone is remarkable, considering many races ended in dramatic crashes and the deaths of charioteers. Drivers either perished in the crash or were dragged to death by their horses.

There were no rules to prevent this. Forcing opponents off the track was allowed, and accidents were often intentional.

There were various types of races held in ancient Rome, differing in their religious and political significance, organization, funding, and frequency. The main types of races were:

These were the most common and popular races, held as part of public festivals or holidays. They were organized and funded by the state or private individuals to honor the gods or entertain the people.

• Frequency: Multiple times a year, lasting several days.
• Format: Multiple races per day, each featuring 12 chariots.
• Laps: Usually seven, though this could vary depending on the occasion.

These races were held alongside theatrical performances or other artistic events. They were organized and funded by magistrates or priests to appease the gods or entertain the public.

• Frequency: Less frequent, typically lasting only one day.
• Format: A few races per day, each featuring four chariots.
• Laps: Always four.

These were races held as part of vows or thanksgiving offerings. They were organized and funded by emperors or other powerful figures to seek divine assistance or express gratitude to the gods.

• Frequency: Irregular, depending on the need.
• Format: Any number of races per day, with any number of chariots.
• Laps: Flexible, depending on the occasion.

• The Founding of Rome: Celebrated annually on April 21 to commemorate the legendary founding of the city by Romulus. This event included Ludi Circenses held in the Circus Maximus, featuring 24 races.
• The Victory Over Hannibal: Celebrated on December 5, 202 BC, to commemorate Rome’s decisive victory over the Carthaginian general Hannibal at the Battle of Zama. This event featured Ludi Votivi held in the Circus Flaminius, with 100 races.
• The Death of Caesar: Observed on March 15, 44 BC, to mark the assassination of Julius Caesar by a group of conspirators. This occasion included Ludi Scaenici held in the Theater of Pompey, featuring four races.

These examples highlight the diversity of races and the significant occasions they celebrated in ancient Rome.

Chariot racing in ancient Rome did not end with a specific date or event. Instead, it experienced a gradual decline and eventual disappearance during Late Antiquity and the early Middle Ages. The reasons for its decline were diverse and complex, but they were primarily linked to political, religious, and cultural changes that influenced or replaced the races.

The decline of chariot racing was closely tied to the fall of the Roman Empire, the invasions and migrations of barbarian tribes, and the emergence of new kingdoms and rulers. As the power and wealth of the Romans diminished, so did the resources of those who organized and financed the races. Infrastructure and venues like the Circus Maximus, as well as the stables and racing facilities, were no longer maintained.

On the religious level, the spread of Christianity played a significant role. As Christianity sought to distance itself from paganism, it rejected chariot racing as a pagan practice that endangered Christian beliefs and morals. New forms of religious celebrations emerged, replacing and rendering chariot races obsolete.

Culturally, the blending of different identities within the Roman Empire led to changes in leisure activities and a modification of chariot racing. Other peoples and regions adopted the concept of chariot racing and created their own versions. These adaptations diluted the prominence of the Roman original, which lost its significance over time.

Thus, chariot racing in ancient Rome did not end with a bang but with a whisper. It did not disappear overnight but faded gradually over several centuries. Nevertheless, it left behind a rich and diverse legacy that remains visible and influential to this day.