This content is Subscriber-Exclusive
You must have a National Geographic subscription to explore this article.
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
Go Further
Animals
- How can you tell if a wild animal really needs your help?How can you tell if a wild animal really needs your help?
- Fireflies are vanishing—but you can help protect themFireflies are vanishing—but you can help protect them
- Could this simple plan save Africa's most mysterious cat?Could this simple plan save Africa's most mysterious cat?
- This ray is vanishing from our oceans—and being made into jewelryThis ray is vanishing from our oceans—and being made into jewelry
- Why 4 dead California sea otters have scientists so alarmedWhy 4 dead California sea otters have scientists so alarmed
Environment
- Seaweed may play a big role in the fight against climate changeSeaweed may play a big role in the fight against climate change
- Is banning fishing bad for fishermen? Not in this marine reserveIs banning fishing bad for fishermen? Not in this marine reserve
- Dust storms are getting worse—here’s why they’re so destructiveDust storms are getting worse—here’s why they’re so destructive
- Japan poised to release nuclear wastewater into the PacificJapan poised to release nuclear wastewater into the Pacific
History & Culture
- How the ‘Magna Carta of AIDS activism’ sparked a revolutionHow the ‘Magna Carta of AIDS activism’ sparked a revolution
- Meet the next generation of National Geographic explorersMeet the next generation of National Geographic explorers
- Colossal crabs may hold clue to Amelia Earhart fateColossal crabs may hold clue to Amelia Earhart fate
- The ancient history of tattoos—revealed by inked-up mummiesThe ancient history of tattoos—revealed by inked-up mummies
- The ‘cave of bones’ may hold the mysteries of human originsThe ‘cave of bones’ may hold the mysteries of human origins
- From police raids to pop culture: The history of modern dragFrom police raids to pop culture: The history of modern drag
Science
- Is organic food healthier? That’s the wrong question.Is organic food healthier? That’s the wrong question.
- This new birth control for cats doesn't require surgeryThis new birth control for cats doesn't require surgery
- What is the summer solstice? Here’s what you need to know.What is the summer solstice? Here’s what you need to know.
- How aromatherapy can help kids breathe in some mental goodnessHow aromatherapy can help kids breathe in some mental goodness
Travel
- Where to stay in Manila: the Filipino capital's coolest hotelsWhere to stay in Manila: the Filipino capital's coolest hotels
- This Polynesian canoe is set to voyage 43,000 milesThis Polynesian canoe is set to voyage 43,000 miles
- The inside guide to Cádiz: an underrated Andalucian city breakThe inside guide to Cádiz: an underrated Andalucian city break
- Crossing the desert: from incense route to pilgrimage route
- Paid Content for Advertiser
Crossing the desert: from incense route to pilgrimage route - Experience a ranch stay in Canada's cowboy countryExperience a ranch stay in Canada's cowboy country