Circus Maximus - the ancient hippodrome in Rome for chariot races and other events. Nestled in a valley between the Aventine and Palatine hills, it was the first and biggest stadium of ancient Rome. The length of the stadium reaches 621 m, width - 118 m. Once he could accommodate up to 150 thousand spectators. Today the territory of the Grand Circus is a public park.

In the era of ancient Rome in the stadium held "Ludi" - public games on various religious dates .  Often the initiators of them became wealthy Romans, or the state itself .  Sami spectacle could be both one-day and last for a longer period of time, accompanied by religious ceremonies, races, chariot races, gladiatorial fights, etc. . d .  One of the so-called "Venuto" (a form of entertainment that combines the hunting and killing of animals), are held at the stadium in 169 BC . e . , Included the participation of 63 leopards and 40 bears and elephants .  In the days of the free shows, the stadium was used for the coachmen and jockeys training and could also serve as a convenient shelter for livestock sold at the nearby market .  As soon as Christianity spread throughout the empire, "Ludi" are becoming less popular - the last known place in the Circus Maximus in 523 CE . e . And the last chariot races took place in the year 549 . 

Gradually, in 6-7 centuries, the stadium was abandoned and fell into disrepair (and even partially dismantled for building materials) .  The lower levels are prone to flooding during the floods, were buried under a layer of mud, and today located 6 meters below the ground surface .  Only in the 12th century to drain the soil here it was built a drain, and a 16th century Bolshoi Circus area was turned into a garden to grow vegetables for sale .  Interestingly, in spite of all these troubles, many of the architectural elements of the stadium survived .  So, in 1587 by order of Pope Sixtus V, two ancient obelisks were moved, and one of them installed in the Piazza del Popolo .  In the mid-19th century during the construction works have been brought to light the lower rows of seats and an external portico, and has since been excavated in the Circus Maximus periodically removed parts of ancient buildings .  Today, the Circus Maximus operates as a public park in the city center and is often used for concerts and entertainment events .