South side Circus Maximus

The enormous elliptical Circus Maximus runs along the base of the Palatine Hill. The Circus was used for the Roman chariot race, which were among the greatest spectacles for the Roman people. The structure was built in the time of the Etruscans Kings. The Circus measured 600 x 200 meters and had a capacity of 320.000 spectators. Today, only the lay of the land, much higher than the first arena, betrays the form of the original structure.