Circus of Nero, Ancient Roman circus and archaeological site in Vatican City, Rome, Italy.
Circus of Nero was an ancient Roman racing venue in Rome located beneath the southern section of Saint Peter's Basilica. The structure extended roughly 530 feet long and 295 feet wide, featuring a central track divided by a decorated stone barrier called a spina.
Emperor Caligula started construction of this racing venue in 40 AD, and his successors Claudius and Nero completed it for public spectacles. Following Saint Peter's execution nearby in 64 AD, the first Christian basilica was eventually built on the site.
The Egyptian obelisk from this venue now stands in Saint Peter's Square, connecting the ancient Roman past with the modern Vatican. Visitors can see how this monument was repurposed and incorporated into a new religious setting.
The remains lie beneath the basilica and are not directly open to visitors, but archaeological evidence can be seen through specific Vatican excavations. The obelisk in Saint Peter's Square provides a direct connection to the ancient site.
Christian tradition ties this location to a pivotal moment in early church history that shaped the positioning of today's sanctuary. This overlap between ancient entertainment and later religious spaces shows how history is layered at this spot.
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