Carry on inside the Maximus Circus. This grand stadium was a chariot racetrack in Rome first constructed in the 6th century AD. The Circus was also used for other public events such as the Roman Games and gladiator fights and was last used for chariot races in the 6th century AD. It was partially excavated in the 20th century AC and then remodelled. Located in the valley between the Palatine and Aventine Hills, it is the oldest and largest public space in Rome and legend says that the Circus was originally laid out in the 6th century AC by the first Roman kings, although, it first took on its distinctive shape under Julius Caesar. Its principal function was as a chariot racetrack and host of the Roman Games (Ludi Romani) which honored Jupiter. These were the oldest games in the city and were held every September with 15 days of chariot races and military processions. In addition, Rome had many other games and up to 20 of these had one day or more at the Circus Maximus. Other events hosted at the site included wild animal hunts, public executions and gladiator fights, some of which were exotically spectacular in the extreme, such as when Pompey organised a contest between a group of barbarian gladiators and 20 elephants.

Be welcomed by your professional and licensed guide at the Bath of Caracalla where your small group tour starts. Your guide will give you a full description of the Bath of Caracalla while walking inside this wonderful ancient second largest thermal bath of Rome. The Baths of Caracalla located by the ancient Appian Way in Rome were named after the Emperor Caracalla who reigned from 211-217 AD. His father Septimius Severus commissioned the baths and after his death the project was completed by his son Caracalla in 216 AD. This building is among the most monumental and imposing archaeological complexes of the entire Imperial epoch. The reign of Caracalla donned an age of cruelty absent from Imperial Rome since perhaps the Emperor Domitian or Nero in the 2nd century. Surviving busts of Caracalla portray a scowling and determined man capable of great evil. Indeed, he killed his younger brother to secure his throne. Despite however his personal deficiencies, Caracalla proved to be an apt administrator.