Spectatorship and Fandom of the Roman Chariot Races

Abstract

This dissertation is concerned with the spectators of the Roman chariot races throughout the empire. It addresses how the sport was experienced and engaged with in the Roman context, with consideration of the everyday lives of circus fans, social networks and consumer patterns. By making use of a variety of sources, including the structural remains of circuses, material culture, epigraphic evidence, and both literary and historical writings, it is possible to gain a picture of a vibrant community of circus fans that as a group were able to make an impact on the sport as well as on Roman society and culture more broadly. Circus spectators were confronted with an array of stimuli from the moment of their arrival at the venue - from the sights to the sounds and even the feel of the seats - all of which added to their shared experience. Audience members engaged not only with the sport but also with one another, finding common ground in their collective interest in the races. Aside from the casual spectator, many audience members identified themselves to be within a community of fans with common views and beliefs concerning the popular spectacle. Fans of the races passionately followed the sport and its competitors, and offered their support when in attendance at the circus and in their actions outside of the venue. An examination of the phenomena of Roman sport spectators further reveals a rich sub-culture of racing fans that offered an active social experience at the circus and various methods of engagement with the sport at the venue and beyond.