Circus Maximus--Rome, Italy

The Circus Maximus was built in 326 BC and could hold 250,000 spectators. It is located in a valley formed by the Palatine and Aventine hills. It is famous for the many chariot races it held. The charioteers raced around a dividing wall called a spina. Crowds of Romans loved watching these races and often charioteers were killed when their cart tipped over. The emperor sat in his private box on the Palatine hill to watch the races. Later the Circus Maximus was the site of Christian slaughter and games. The last games were held in 549 by Totilla the Goth who captured Rome and reduced its population to 500.