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ANCIENT ROME CHARIOT RACES DRIVERS
ANCIENT ROME CHARIOT RACES DRIVER

The charioteers would try to 'shipwreck' the leader by whipping their horses into the back of his chariot. As the race neared its end the tactics became more violent. The successful charioteer was not only able to persuade his horses to go fast but was also skilled at impeding his rivals. In his right hand he would carry his whip.

ANCIENT ROME CHARIOT RACES DRIVER

AD 130)īefore the race started the driver would wrap the reins around his waist and then hold them with his left hand. Tomb of a Roman official and his wife showing a chariot race (c. The lead-horse would be named on the racecard, and during the race the crowd would chant the name of this horse, the driver or the faction. The best horses were imported from Africa and Hispania. Horses had to be very brave to run so close to the walls of the spina and the most important horse was the one at the front on the left. However, it was also the most dangerous because if the chariot hit the spina (a long thin island in the middle of the arena) the driver was in danger of being thrown out into the path of the other teams. The best draw was on the rails as it was the shortest way round.

ANCIENT ROME CHARIOT RACES DRIVERS

There were twelve starting-boxes and the drivers would draw lots to decide where they started from. If more than one from each faction was used, the drivers raced as a team rather than as individuals.

Each faction would provide one, two or three chariots for every race. Each lap was marked by the lowering of an egg from a platform. The race was made up of seven laps (8.4 kilometres) and usually lasted about fifteen minutes. On one occasion, Emperor Vitellius, who was a strong supporter of the Blues, had several spectators executed for shouting out rude comments about his team. This rivalry sometimes resulted in fights between spectators. The Romans would support these factions in the same way as people today support rival football teams. These factions were known by the colours that their drivers wore (white, green, blue or red). Four rival groups (Romans called them factions) took part. It is claimed that the Circus Maximus in Rome had room for more than 350,000 spectators.Ĭhariots were usually pulled by four horses but it could be by as few as two or as many as ten.

It was so popular that larger and larger stadiums had to be built.

Chariot races and those who dared to enter these dangerous contestsīuy this audiobook to learn more about the Roman Games.The most popular sport in Rome was chariot racing.

How the Roman games were connected to Roman religion and politics.

Here in this audiobook, we will explore them in full. The Roman games were held many centuries ago, yet they still captivate us today. Interestingly enough, it has been said that the games stemmed from religious and funeral rites that used spectacles to appease both the Roman gods and the spirits of the dead. This audiobook explores the nature of the Roman games and their relationship with Roman religion, as well as political and military power. The Roman people became so absorbed in the Roman games, in fact, that many other vital aspects of Roman society began to deteriorate. It was said that as long as Roman citizens had “bread and circuses”, they would remain content. Immense money and resources were spent constructing circuses, stadiums, and amphitheaters, all in an effort to create incredible spectacles for the Roman masses. The Romans were known for their extensive civilization, but at the heart of Roman power was a penchant for the Roman games. What were the Roman games? What was it like for gladiators in the arenas of ancient Rome? How thrilling was it to see chariot races on the Roman race track? Were the condemned really thrown to lions at the Circus Maximus? These are a few of the questions that will be explored in this audiobook. If you want to discover the history of the Roman Games, then pay attention.