... could hold up to 275,000 people, as chariot racing was the most popular spectator sport of the time. The simple track design was still interesting because its length allowed charioteers to 'battle' for the leading position. There were 12 teams of racers, split into colour groups, so that the audience could clearly make out whom they were supporting from far away. Each charioteer would control teams of 2,3,4,6 or 7 horses (see Fig. 2), although 4 (see Fig. 3) was the most common number, this was because more horses became more difficult to control and turn. 4 horses was a trade-off between speed and manoeuvrability. The horses had to be highly trained. Figure 2: A statue of the rare 2-horse racing style adopted by the more skilled charioteers of Roman Times There were 4 different colour teams: Reds, Whites, Blues and Greens. These were what the crowds supported. Pliny the ...

See this essay or coursework document in full right now