Graphic Reconstructions

A History Channel video with a reconstruction of the Circus Maximus in Rome and a graphic reenactment of a chariot race: Virtual tour of the Circus Maximus in Rome: http://www.italyrome.info/circomassimo/circo-massimo-3d-eng.php An amateur graphic reconstruction of the circus of Lepcis Magna:

Sousse Circus Scene

Dated to the 3rd century CE, from Sousse, Tunisia, held at Archaeological Museum of Sousse This is a circus mosaic that distinctly depicts four horses and their respective charioteers, from the four different factions: Blue, Green, White, and Red. Beside each horse there is also a name given most likely indicating the name of the...

Villa Selene Mosaic

The Circus, dated to 100-200 CE, from the Villa Selene in Lepcis Magna There is not much public scholarship discussing this mosaic, however by understanding trends in circus mosaic depictions it is possible to identify certain aspects of this mosaic. The mosaic clearly has many groups of quadriga racing around a circus track. There is...

Auriga winner

Dated to the 4th c BCE. From Thuburbo Majus, held at the Bardo Museum A commemorative, victory mosaic with depictions of victory prizes: The green colouring of the charioteer's clothing indicates they are part of the Green faction:

Gafsa Circus Mosaic

Circus mosaic, dated to the 6th century CE, from Gafsa, Tunisia, held at the Bardo Museum, Tunisia This mosaic is most likely a commemorative mosaic of an actual race event that resulted in a Green faction victory. This is a very important circus mosaic because it depicts interior architectural features which greatly inform our understanding...

Dougga Charioteer

Dated to the 4th century CE, from Dougga, Tunisia, held at Bardo Museum, Tunisia This is a commemorative mosaic of a victorious charioteer grasping their laurel crown with their quadriga. From the colour of the charioteer's clothing, it is clear that they belong to the Green faction. The writing within the mosaic indicates the charioteer's...

House of Horses Mosaics

The horses of Carthage, dated from the 4th-5th century CE, from Carthage Tunisia This is one of the most interesting circus mosaics, not just for its complexity and beauty, but also for its artistic conception. The mosaic is an a checkerboard design, interchanging between tesserae mosaic patterns and opus sectile. The opus sectile patterns consist...

The Circus of Carthage

The Circus of Carthage mosaic, dated to the 3rd century CE, held at the Bardo Museum, Carthage This mosaic is incredibly important for our understanding of both circus architecture and the races themselves. The mosaic is particularly interesting for its flat perspective: depicting both interior and exterior architectural features. These features show the cavea on the...

Circus and Board Games

Once again, these cannot be relied upon for their historical accuracy but are interesting for their interaction and accessibility. Chariot Race by Matt Leacock: Chariots of Rome by Sean Young:

Circus and Video Games

Chariot racing as a video game concept is actually quite popular. Like modern day reenactments, the historical accuracy of the Roman circus in video games is lacking, however they are amazing for their accessibility, detail in graphic design, and individual interaction with the sport. Qvadriga- players manage chariot races in the Roman Empire: Assassin's Creed-...