Rome - Circus Maximus

(Local Name: Circo Massimo) According to legend, the Circus Maximus, lying to the south of the Palatine, was constructed by Tarquinius Priscus on the site of the rape of the Sabine women. The Circus was, in fact, established in the A.D. second century as a stadium for chariot races. It consisted of two tracks, 500m/547yd in length and could accommodate 300,000 spectators. The remains of the buildings date from the time of Trajan. An obelisk erected at the Circus during the reign of Augustus, now stands on Piazza del Popolo.