Ancient BuildingRoma

Circo di Massenzio

The remains of the ancient town can be visited

In Rome, the Circo di Massenzio, also known as the Circus of Maxentius, is a testament to ancient architecture. As part of a complex built by Emperor Maxentius along the Via Appia, it is one of the best-preserved circus facilities of Roman antiquity.

History+

The complex was commissioned by Emperor Maxentius, who ruled from 306 to 312 AD. Maxentius, son of the former Emperor Maximian, was elevated to emperor in Rome and initiated a building program during his reign. The complex on the Via Appia included a palace, the circus, and a tomb, likely dedicated to his son Valerius Romulus. This combination of palace and circus was typical of Tetrarchic architecture. Maxentius died in 312 AD during the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, when the troops of Constantine I invaded Italy.

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Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Circus_of_Maxentius.jpg

This description draws on the facts documented in the linked Wikipedia article; Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wording and editing: Mobile History.

Location: 41.8548, 12.5207