Circus: Did you mean...?

Fragmented mould-blown beaker with a circus scene and the inscription 'vade Pyramus' (meaning 'go Pyramus!'), a renowned charioteer from Pompeii. It also shows the spina (central barrier) of the Circus Maximus in the middle band. Below the...

If there was one thing the Roman people loved it was spectacle and the opportunity of escapism offered by weird and wonderful public shows which assaulted the senses and ratcheted up the emotions. Roman rulers knew this well and so to increase...

Roman mosaic representing a circus scene, 3rd century CE. It depicts four horses identified by name and their respective charioteers from the four different factions, each indicated by a colour: Pupillus represents the blue faction (factio...

Illustration of the Circus Maximus in Rome, as it might have appeared in Antiquity by Rocío Espin. Courtesy of Ancient History Magazine / Karwansaray Publishers.

A releif showing a quadriga race in the Cricus Maximus, Rome (2-3rd century); Trinci Palace, Foligno, Italy. The starting gates can be seen on the far left. The upper left-hand corner shows the magistrate who will begin the race by dropping...

This handscroll was created c. 1271 - 1644 CE in the style of Zhao Yong (1289 – c. after 1360 CE)by an unidentified Chinese artist. The scroll was created during either the Yuan Dynasty or the Ming Dynasty. Ink and color on silk. 27 x...

Mosaic depicting a quadriga of the factio prasina (‘the Greens,’ representing the spring), 3rd century CE, from Rome. (National Archaeological Museum of Spain, Madrid) The green team is victorious. Their admired steeds have performed splendidly...

Almost 700 years of continuous Roman occupation have left impressive traces in the Spanish landscape. Spain was then known as 'Hispania' and is now a fascinating location for the archaeological traveller. The Spanish provinces were...

The Eternal City of Rome is one of the places in the world with the most historical sites to visit. The list of ancient ruins, museums, churches, and other historical landmarks makes the city an Eldorado for anyone interested in history...

Museums have been around much longer than one might think, but in the ancient world, they were principally institutions of research and learning rather than places to display artworks and artefacts, even if they were often located in grand...