Circus of Maxentius, Ancient Roman circus on Via Appia, Rome, Italy
The Circus of Maxentius is an ancient racetrack in Rome built from tuff stone and brick with a long, rectangular layout. The structure sits within a larger complex that also included an imperial palace and mausoleum, all constructed as a single grand ensemble.
Emperor Maxentius built this racetrack in the early 300s to display his power and entertain people with horse races. After his defeat and the rise of other rulers, the complex fell into decay over the centuries and parts of it were lost to time.
The name honors Emperor Maxentius, who built this place at the start of the 300s as a center for chariot racing and public spectacle. The track was deeply tied to his palace nearby and showed off the emperor's wealth and authority to the people of Rome.
Visit in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is gentler and the site is more comfortable to explore at a slower pace. Wear sturdy shoes since you will be walking across uneven ground and remnants of ancient structures throughout the site.
A tall obelisk once stood in the center of the racetrack and was one of the few moved away from its original spot. This monument was later transported to Piazza Navona, where visitors can still see it today.
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