The story of this place
Stretching 621 metres between the Palatine and Aventine hills, the Circus Maximus was the largest stadium ever built, seating an estimated 150,000–250,000 spectators for chariot races that gripped Rome for a thousand years. Teams of the Reds, Whites, Blues, and Greens inspired fanatical loyalty and betting, and star charioteers like Diocles amassed fortunes dwarfing modern athletes'. Seven laps around the central spina—decorated with obelisks—decided each race, and crashes at the turning posts were routine and often fatal. Chariot racing continued here into the 6th century AD. Today the flat grassy valley still traces the ancient track and hosts modern concerts and rallies.