<P> In ancient Rome , chariot races commonly took place in a circus . The main centre of chariot racing was the Circus Maximus in the valley between Palatine Hill and Aventine Hill , which could seat 250,000 people . It was the earliest circus in the city of Rome . The Circus supposedly dated to the city 's earliest times , but Julius Caesar rebuilt it around 50 BC to a length and width of about 650 metres ( 2,130 ft ) and 125 metres ( 410 ft ) , respectively . One end of the track was more open than the other , as this was where the chariots lined up to begin the race . The Romans used a series of gates known as carceres , equivalent to the Greek hysplex . These were staggered like the hysplex , but in a slightly different manner since the center of Roman racing tracks also included medians ( the spinae ) . The carceres took up the angled end of the track , where -- before a race -- the chariots were loaded behind spring - loaded gates . Typically , when the chariots were ready the emperor ( or whoever was hosting the races , if outside of Rome ) dropped a cloth known as a mappa , signalling the beginning of the race . The gates would spring open at the same time , allowing a fair start for all participants . </P>
<P> In ancient Rome , chariot races commonly took place in a circus . The main centre of chariot racing was the Circus Maximus in the valley between Palatine Hill and Aventine Hill , which could seat 250,000 people . It was the earliest circus in the city of Rome . The Circus supposedly dated to the city 's earliest times , but Julius Caesar rebuilt it around 50 BC to a length and width of about 650 metres ( 2,130 ft ) and 125 metres ( 410 ft ) , respectively . One end of the track was more open than the other , as this was where the chariots lined up to begin the race . The Romans used a series of gates known as carceres , equivalent to the Greek hysplex . These were staggered like the hysplex , but in a slightly different manner since the center of Roman racing tracks also included medians ( the spinae ) . The carceres took up the angled end of the track , where -- before a race -- the chariots were loaded behind spring - loaded gates . Typically , when the chariots were ready the emperor ( or whoever was hosting the races , if outside of Rome ) dropped a cloth known as a mappa , signalling the beginning of the race . The gates would spring open at the same time , allowing a fair start for all participants . </P>
where did the roman chariot races take place
where did the roman chariot races take place
in a circus
in a circus