CHARIOT RULESThe Chariot Racing rules allow players to recreate the thrills and spills of this popular Roman contest. Bring to life the spectacular scenes from films like Ben Hur or Gladiator in this fun and easy to play game. |
FREE DOWNLOADClick here to download the Chariot Racing rules by John Shaw in Microsoft Word format. These rules are available free as long as credit is retained to the author. All rights reserved.
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CHARIOTSChariot racing was the most popular sport in Rome, attracting bigger crowds even than the gladiators. Although some chariot races were held in the Colosseum, they were more usually held in a special arena known as a circus. Romans developed strict rules for all aspects of their life, and chariot racing was no different. A day at the races followed a strict format, which included pre-race parades. The chariots always raced counter clockwise. Races always took place with 4, 8 or 12 chariots. Four main chariot racing teams existed. These were the Whites, the Reds, the Greens and the Blues. Supporters wore the colours of their favourite teams, just like the football supporters today. |
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The crowd looks on as the chariot pack squeezes around the corner. Races get exciting, particularly around the corners where it is easy to lose control. |
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A DAY AT THE RACESThe day began with an elaborate procession of sponsors, charioteers, team managers, priests and holy symbols. There were usually 12 races. Charioteers drew lots for their starting gates. Betting was rife amongst the supporters. Judges sat above the starting gates. They started the race by dropping a white cloth and raising a rope in front of the horses. As the race progressed, passions were intense both on and off the track. There were plenty of ways that teams could foul their foes. The winner received a palm branch and wreath plus substantial monetary awards and great fame. They were feted and gained even more prestige than today's best sporting heroes. |
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Chariots can try and crash their opponents chariots but they must beware - as they could be the ones left mangled and crashed upon the track. |
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CIRCUS MAXIMUSRaces were held in a circus, so named because of its circular shape. The oldest and largest circus in Rome was the Circus Maximus. Originally there was no building, just a flat sandy track with temporary markers. Spectators sat on the hills either side of the track. Gradually the area developed into a well-maintained stadium. Over time the wooden seating was replaced by stone. Initial seating capacity was 150,000 spectators. This was continually enlarged until by 4th century AD the circus could provide seats for over 250,000 people (1/4 the population of Rome). By the time of Emperor Augustus, the entire building was over 600 metres long and about 150 metres wide. In 329 BC, twelve starting stalls were built for the chariots at one end of the arena, and above this a platform for the magistrate responsible for the show. The Emperor's palace was behind the Circus Maximus. He had a special box where he could sit without even leaving the grounds of the palace. Some emperors attended all of the races that took place. Racing was so popular with the Romans that the last race was not held until 549 AD. |
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Circus Maximus in modern times. Today, the ring and some remains of the tiers can still be seen. Note how tight the corner is at the end of the straight. Great skill would have been required to avoid crashes around the corners. Like with modern motor racing, this was what many of the race followers came to see. |
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CHARIOTEERSGood charioteers became heroes. Great skill was needed and races were very exciting with many spills and crashes. Drivers were killed on a regular basis. Most charioteers began as slaves. The successful ones soon made enough money to buy their freedom. One famous charioteer was Gaius Appuleius Diocles. He began driving for the Whites at 18. At 24, he switched to the Greens for 3 years, then drove 15 years for the Reds before retiring at the age of 42. He won 1,462 of the 4,257 four-horse races. His winnings totaled 36 million sesterces. Diocles' career was unusually long. Many charioteers died young (Fuscus at 24, Crescens at 22, Mollicius at 20). |
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GLADIATOR RULESThe Gladiator rules allow players to recreate the deadly excitement of Gladitorial combat. Bring to life the vivid scenes from films like Spartacus or Gladiator in this fun and easy to play game. More players means more fun. |
FREE DOWNLOADClick here to download the Gladiator rules by John Shaw in Microsoft Word format. These rules are available free as long as credit is retained to the author. All rights reserved.
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This space is reserved for a really nice picture |
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GLADIATORSThe fearsome battles of the roman gladiators have been brought to life in many famous films; although many details were not correctly portrayed. |
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| Leo | Gargantua | |
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| Tiberius | Carborundum | |
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| Valkyrie | Extremus | |
