The Political Significance of Circus Maximus

• Astronomy
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• GCSE

The Political Significance of Circus Maximus

What is the name of Italy's highest mountain?

1. Mount Kilimanjaro
2. Mont Blanc
3. K2
4. Mount Everest

What is the name of the famous canal in Venice, Italy?

1. Suez Canal
2. Kiel Canal
3. Panama Canal
4. Grand Canal

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to explain the political significance of Circus Maximus.

Introduce the learning objective of the lesson to the students.

What do you already know about Circus Maximus?

What is Circus Maximus?

Circus Maximus was an ancient Roman chariot racing stadium and entertainment venue. It was the largest stadium in ancient Rome and could seat up to 250,000 people.

Introduce the students to what Circus Maximus is and its significance in ancient Rome.

The Role of Chariot Racing in Roman Politics

Chariot racing was one of the most popular forms of entertainment in ancient Rome. It also played a significant role in Roman politics, with politicians sponsoring charioteers to gain support from the people.

Explain to the students the role of chariot racing in Roman politics.

The Four Factions of Chariot Racing

There were four factions of chariot racing in ancient Rome: the Blues, Greens, Reds, and Whites. These factions had a strong following and often caused riots and violence in the city.

Introduce the students to the four factions of chariot racing and how they impacted the city of Rome.

The Relationship Between Chariot Racing and Emperors

Emperors often used chariot racing as a way to gain popularity and support from the people. They would even participate in races themselves.

Explain to the students how emperors used chariot racing to gain support and popularity from the people.

Circus Maximus as a Symbol of Roman Power

Circus Maximus was not only a venue for entertainment but also a symbol of Roman power and wealth. The stadium was a testament to the grandeur and extravagance of the Roman Empire.

Explain to the students how Circus Maximus was a symbol of Roman power and wealth.

The Decline of Circus Maximus

As the Roman Empire declined, so did the popularity of chariot racing and Circus Maximus. The stadium fell into disrepair and was eventually abandoned.

Describe to the students the decline of Circus Maximus and how it paralleled the decline of the Roman Empire.

Excavations and Renovations of Circus Maximus

In recent years, there have been excavations and renovations of Circus Maximus to preserve its history and make it accessible to the public.

Inform the students of recent excavations and renovations of Circus Maximus and its significance for preserving history.

The Legacy of Circus Maximus

Circus Maximus remains an important historical landmark and a testament to the grandeur and extravagance of the Roman Empire.

Explain to the students the lasting legacy of Circus Maximus and its importance as a historical landmark.

Review: The Political Significance of Circus Maximus

Circus Maximus was an ancient Roman chariot racing stadium and entertainment venue that played a significant role in Roman politics. It was a symbol of Roman power and wealth and remains an important historical landmark today.

Review the main points of the lesson with the students.

Multiple Choice Question

What was the role of chariot racing in Roman politics?

Ask the students a multiple choice question to assess their understanding of the lesson.

Answer: The Role of Chariot Racing in Roman Politics

Chariot racing played a significant role in Roman politics, with politicians sponsoring charioteers to gain support from the people.

Provide the answer to the multiple choice question and explain the reasoning behind the correct answer.

True or False Question

Circus Maximus was the largest stadium in ancient Rome.

Ask the students a true or false question to assess their understanding of the lesson.

Answer: True

Circus Maximus was the largest stadium in ancient Rome and could seat up to 250,000 people.

Provide the answer to the true or false question and explain the reasoning behind the correct answer.

Fill in the Blank Question

Circus Maximus remains an important ________ landmark.

Ask the students a fill in the blank question to assess their understanding of the lesson.

Answer: historical

Circus Maximus remains an important historical landmark.

Provide the answer to the fill in the blank question and explain the reasoning behind the correct answer.

Discussion Question

What other forms of entertainment do you think were popular in ancient Rome?

Encourage the students to engage in a group discussion and share their thoughts on the topic.

Interactive Element: Virtual Tour of Circus Maximus

Take a virtual tour of Circus Maximus to see what the stadium looked like in ancient times.

Provide an interactive element for the students to engage in and experience the history of Circus Maximus.

Interactive Element: Design Your Own Chariot

Design your own chariot using materials you have at home.

Provide an interactive element for the students to engage in and apply what they have learned about chariot racing and Circus Maximus.

Further Reading

Encourage the students to continue learning about the history of Circus Maximus and ancient Rome by reading books or watching documentaries.

Provide resources for the students to continue their learning outside of the classroom.

Thank You!

Thank you for learning about the political significance of Circus Maximus!

End the lesson with a thank you message to the students.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.

What was the capacity of Circus Maximus?

1. It could hold over 500,000 spectators.
2. It could hold over 150,000 spectators.
3. It could hold around 50,000 spectators.
4. It could hold only a few thousand spectators.

What was the social significance of Circus Maximus?

1. It was a place for religious ceremonies.
2. It was a place for social gatherings and entertainment.
3. It was a place for public speeches.
4. It was a place for military training.

What was the political significance of Circus Maximus?

1. It was a trading hub for political goods.
2. It was used for public executions.
3. It was used to entertain and distract the public from political issues.
4. It was a place for political debates.