The ancient Romans loved chariot racing. In early Roman times, young nobles used to race their chariots around the 7 hills of Rome. People had to scatter to get out of the way. They stopped for no one. 

In the 6c BCE (about 2,500 years ago!), the ancient Romans built the Circus Maximus in the city of Rome. Basically, the Maximus was a race track. It was designed to race chariots. Women could attend the races. They could sit with men. That was very unusual. 

The original Circus Maximus was built out of wood. It burnt down a couple of times. During the Roman Empire, the Circus Maximus was rebuilt using marble and concrete (an ancient Roman invention!). 

The Circus Maximus was not the only circus in the Roman Empire. The Romans built circuses (outdoor racetracks) all over the Empire. The Circus Maximus was the most well known race track. 

It could seat over 250,000 people! Admission was free. Anyone could attend the races, including Rome's poor. There were races every day. It was the height of success to race in the Circus Maximus. 

Nero at the Circus Maximus

Chariot Race (interactive) 

The Circus Maximus

Entertainment - Leisure Time