The Circus of Maxentius is the best-preserved of the Roman chariot circuses. It lies outside the city of Rome, just off the Appian Way. This circus was part of a complex including a villa built by the short-lived Emperor Maxentius, who was defeated…

This opus sectile panel, made of colorful glass fragments, depicts Junius Bassus on a biga, or a chariot led by two horses. Junius Bassus is flanked by four men on horses as he leads the processus consularis, a procession that occurs with the…

This mosaic represents a charioteer and horse from each of Rome's four factions: Veneta (blue), Russata (red), Prasina (green), and Albata (white). Each of the city's stables had their own color. The stable would provide competitors with everything…

This mosaic depicts a charioteer from Rome's blue faction with his horse. Spectators would often support a particular faction cheering for its charioteer and celebrating its victories.

This mosaic depicts a charioteer from Rome's red faction with his horse. Spectators would often support a particular faction cheering for its charioteer and celebrating its victories.

This mosaic depicts a charioteer from Rome's green faction with his horse. Spectators would often support a particular faction cheering for its charioteer and celebrating its victories.

This mosaic depicts a charioteer from Rome's white faction with his horse. Spectators would often support a particular faction cheering for its charioteer and celebrating its victories.

The Theatre of Marcellus was first planned by Julius Caesar but was unfinished at his death in 44 BCE. It was completed in 13 BCE and formally inaugurated in 12 BCE by Augustus, who named the building after his nephew Marcus Claudius Marcellus, who…

These hexagonal mosaic panels were found in a countryside villa on the Via Aurelia dating to the early 3rd century CE. Each panel has a central image of two actors surrounded by floral patterns.

These hexagonal mosaic panels were found in a countryside villa on the Via Aurelia dating to the early 3rd century CE. Each panel has a central image of two actors surrounded by floral patterns.