The chariot races were a popular form of entertainment. The races were run by groups called factions. The factions owned horse ranches and organized bets. The people attending the races bet on the factions not on the horses.
Professional charioteers were hired by the factions. Each faction was identified by the color tunic the charioteer wore: Greens, Blues, Reds, and Whites. One to three chariots ran for each faction. Each chariot was pulled by two to four horses.
At the Circus Maximus twelve starting boxes were available. The gates were opened simultaneously after the magistrate gave the signal. The drivers wrapped their reins around their bodies and took off. The reins were wrapped around the driver's waist so that he could lean back and whip the horses without falling. If the chariot crashed the driver had to use a hooked knife to cut the reins. During the race many wrecks occurred. Many were caused by tricks from opponents.
The chariots ran counter-clockwise around the track for seven laps. Each lap was marked with bronze dolphins that were lowered as the laps were finished. The winner received palms and crowns as a prize. They usually received a good amount of money from the betting as well.
For entertainment, dogs, ostriches, or camels might be used in Rome to pull the chariots around the Circus Maximus.
The chariots were open vehicles with two or four wheels. They were pulled by two, three, or four horses. Chariots were used for hunting, battles, racing, and processions.
Back to Entertainment
Back to Roman Buildings