![]() Roman drivers steered their chariots using their body weight. Accidents were known as naufragia or shipwrecks. N aufragia and last-minute surges from behind were the most exciting features of a race. Races were held between quadrigae (four horse chariots) although other sizes were also used like the two horse chariot or even the rare ten horse chariot. Chariots were made from wood and leather in order to be light and maximize handling. The races began at the dropping of a mappa (cloth) by a magistrate from the imperial box or above the starting gates. The racers in their chariots would take their places behind the carceres. The staggered starting gates are to the left. ![]() Ground plan of the Circus Maximus, according to Samuel Ball Platner, 1911.
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