Circus Maximus in Rome
The Circus Maximus, with its 621 metres in lenght and 118 metres in width, was the largest stadium in Rome used for public games and mass entertainment at the time of Roman Empire.
It could host about 270.000 people, which was a quarter of the total population of Rome, and was primarily used for chariot racing, one of the most popular sport at that time.
Chariot racing was dangerous but of great impact for the viewers, and always generated strong enthusiasm among the audience.
It was erected in the 2nd century BC and rebuilt several times in the following centuries, due to the fires in which it was destroyed.
Nowadays the Circus Maximus occasionally hosts concerts and events of large dimension. The Italian World Cup victory celebrations in 2006 were hold there, as well as the British rock band Genesis concert an year later.