A painting of a chariot race

Chariot racing stirred up both love and hate in ancient Rome

The fastest sport on two wheels thrilled fans in packed arenas across Roman lands, while the elite condemned—and exploited—the passions of the crowd.

The thrill and danger of a chariot race in Rome’s Circus Maximus is captured here in Alexander von Wagner’s 1882 painting. Manchester Art Gallery, England
BRIDGEMAN/ACI
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