The Circus Flaminius was never meant to rival the much larger Circus Maximus, and unlike the Maximus, it was not just an entertainment venue. Assemblies, for instance, were often held inside. It was also used as a market. In 2 B.C., the circus was flooded for the slaughter of 36 crocodiles to commemorate the building of the Forum of Augustus. In AD 9 Augustus delivered the Laudatio of Drusus here. The circus lacked permanent seating, nor were there any permanent structures around the perimeter of the race track.
There is debate as to whether or not the Circus Flaminius was used for chariot racing. Strabo makes no mention of equestrian activities taking place. Valerius Maximus claims that the Ludi Plebeii (Plebeian Games) were held inside, but other sources deny this. Livy, Varro and Antoninus Pius, however, have records of some form of Ludi being held within the circus, most likely the Ludi Taurii, games held in honor of the Gods of the Underworld. These mysterious games were only held in the Circus Flaminius, suggesting they were symbolically tied to the building itself, and thus could not be moved to a different circus. These were horse, not chariot, races with one rider and his horse going around the turning posts.
In the vicinity of the circus (“in circo Flaminio”) were many structures. The Temple of Pietas lay on the edge of the Forum Holitorium to the southeast. The Temple of Mars was situated in the northwest. By 220 B.C., there were possibly six temples, including one to Apollo, standing in Flaminian Fields. In AD 15, statues to the deified Augustus were erected, dedicated by C. Norbanus Flaccus. Also inside was the Porticus Octaviae. The entrance to the piazza was marked by one of three large marble arches erected in honor of Germanicus, engraved with records of his military conquests. To the west was the Theatre of Marcellus.
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Last updated on Saturday May 10, 2008 at 18:27:13 PDT (GMT -0700)
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