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Circ Romà

Photo by Carole Raddato

The history...

The Roman Circus of Tarragona is an ancient structure built by the Romans in the 1st century AD and was used for chariot races and other public events. The circus is one of the best-preserved Roman circuses in the world.

The circus was constructed during the reign of Emperor Domitian, around AD 80-100. It was designed to hold up to 30,000 spectators, making it one of the largest entertainment venues in the city. The circus had a long, oval shape, with a central spine, called the "spina," around which the chariots raced. The track was about 325 meters long and 115 meters wide.

Spectators sat in tiered seats that surrounded the track. The most important people, such as city officials and wealthy citizens, sat in the best seats, closest to the action. The circus also had grand entrances and exits for the chariots and participants.

Chariot races were the main event at the circus. These races involved teams of horses pulling chariots at high speeds around the track. The races were exciting and dangerous, with chariots often crashing and horses getting injured. The circus also hosted other events, such as athletic competitions and public ceremonies.

Over time, the Roman Circus of Tarragona fell into disuse as the Roman Empire declined. Parts of the structure were dismantled, and the stones were used for other buildings. By the Middle Ages, the circus was largely forgotten, and houses and streets were built over it.

In the 20th century, archaeologists began to excavate the site and uncover the remains of the circus. Today, visitors can explore the ancient ruins and learn about the history of Roman entertainment. The Roman Circus of Tarragona is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction, offering a unique look at ancient Rome.

Source ChatGPT