Architectural Capriccio of Ancient Rome with Figures: The Middle Part of the Circus Maximus

Italian School. Oil painting on canvas, Architectural Capriccio of Ancient Rome with Figures: The Middle Part of the Circus Maximus, Italian School, early 17th century.The Circus Maximus, was the first and largest circus in Rome. According to Livy it was originally built in c.160 BC. Though primarily adapted for chariot races the circus was also used for athletic contests, wild beast fights and sea-battles. The circus was destroyed under Nero and again in the time of Domitian. A new circus was built by Trajan, Caracalla enlarged it and Constantine restored it after a partial collapse. The last games were held in AD.549. The obelisks now in the Piazza del Popolo and outside the Lateran once stood in the circus. Kingston Lacy Estate, Dorset (Accredited Museum)