The Circus Maximus

The Circus Maximus, also known as The Circus Maximus is the largest and most important chariot racetrack in Rome. The Circus Maximus was initially laid out as a racetrack in the 6th century by Tarquinius Priscus as a racetrack that was easily accessible to the emperor's palace, so accessible in fact that the emperor could get to his private box without leaving his house.(Source) Later on in the 2nd century, the actual building of the Circus Maximus was constructed by Emperor Trajan, it was built to house around 150,000 people, more than most modern stadiums(Source). When the building was constructed initially, it was made out of stone with marble paving all over the outside.("Sport and Spectacle" Donald G. Kyle) The building is no longer standing and all that is left is the rough outline of the racetrack making it hard to tell what it is from just looking at it, however it does provide us with the shape and design of modern car and horse racetracks. The Circus Maximus is right next to the emperor's palace and is south west of the Colosseum(Apple Maps), all of which are located at the bottom of the Palentine Hill.(Source) Another fun fact about the Circus Maximus is that it used to be on a stream and the stream had to be redirected and the stadium drained, which was done by emperor Tarquin. ("Sport and Spectacle" Donald G. Kyle) Distinguishing features of this Circus were it's gargantuas size and it's location in relation to the Emperor's Palace.