Greek and Roman Pleasure Buildings : 2 Circus Maximus

Greek and Roman Pleasure Buildings : 2 Circus Maximus

 

The Circus Maximus in Rome, of which now nothing survives, was a vast edifice, started by Julius Caesar in 46 B.C., and added to and enlarged by many succeeding emperors, each adding his own enrichments. It was 2000 feet long by 650 feet wide and had a seating capacity for 255,000 people. The vaults were of concrete and the overall construction was similar to that of the Colosseum. The last race in the Circus Maximus took place in 549 A.D.