ROME Circus Maximus Chariot Race - 1844 Steel Engraving

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Circus Maximus, Rome Another Quality Print from Martin2001 Type of print: Steel Engraving - Original vintage antique print. Year of printing: 1844 Artist - Engraver - Publisher: n/a - n/a - Johann Georg Heck. Click to see more prints from the same source. Condition: Excellent - Very good - Good - Fair. Size of print in inches: 9 x 12 (1 inch = 2,54 cm) Type of paper: Thick - Heavier - Medium heavy - Slightly heavier - Thin Reverse side: Blank - With text or pictures Notes: See shipping rates, return, payment policies, etc. at the bottom of page. Legend: From the original description: The building was the largest, the finest and one of the oldest, if not indeed the earliest, of its class erected by the Romans. It was built and enlarged by the Tarquins, and underwent many changes during the course of a thousand years, its last restorer being Constantine or his son Constantius. The additions consisted of massive buildings in various stories which gave a final seating capacity of from 380,000 to 480,000, according to different estimates. The space within was about 2,100 feet long by about 400 feet wide. Of the two ends, that of the principal entrance was rectangular, the opposite end being semicircular. On either side of the entrance gate were the cages, or carceres, from which the chariots made their start. In the center of the area of the circus was a long, low structure, called the spina, which divided the race-course. At each end of the spina were three conical columns (called metoe or goals). The spina was adorned with columns, obelisks and fountains,, and with an altar on which stood seven egg-shaped objects, one of which was removed every time the chariots completed a circuit of the spina. The emperor's pavilion projected somewhat beyond the circling tiers of seats, and was placed nearly midway in the course, but close enough to the entrance-end to afford a good view of the start and the finish of the race. On the corner towers, flanking the gate of entrance, were musicians who played in the intervals of the races. The umpire, sitting on a balcony above the portal, gave the signal for the start by throwing a white cloth into the arena. The barriers before the cages were then simultaneously removed and the contestants dashed out into the course on the right side of the spina. He was victor who first completed seven circuits round the spina. The sharp turns round the metoe were extremely perilous,: indeed the whole course was beset with dangers. The furious speed of the driving rendered the slightest accident almost fatal. An unmanageable horse, a collision with a meta, or with another chariot, would be pretty sure to place one or more chariots hors du combat. The excitement of the spectators rose to frenzy as the leading chariots doubled the meta for the seventh time and dashed madly towards the final goal, and their shouts and cries filled the vast space with a deafening din. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Martin2001 Satisfaction Guaranteed Policy ! Any print purchased from us may be returned for any reason for a full refund including all postage. Shipping: Worldwide. We gladly combine multiple purchases into one package. Terminology: Click to learn more about antique prints and their terminology. "Inch to cm" conversion table: Click to see our handy "inch to cm" conversion table. Our other listings on eBay: Click to see our other listings on eBay. Notes: --- findhorses findsport findhellas The free listing tool. List your items fast and easy and manage your active items. read more

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