"Circus Maximus" is a Latin term meaning "largest arena". This is an ancient arena and a mass entertainment venue that is located in the heart of Rome. It is set in the valley between the Aventine and Palatine hills. It was first used specifically for public games and entertainment by the Etruscan kings of Rome.

The first games of the Ludi Romani that were held in the Circus Maximus were staged by Tarquinius Priscus. He was the first Etruscan ruler of Rome to influence the games. A few decades later, the Circus was the site of public games and festivals influenced by the Greeks. Meeting the demands of the Roman citizenry for mass public entertainment on a magnificent scale, Julius Caesar expanded the Circus around 50 BC to accommodate an estimated 150,000 seated spectators. The emperor Trajan later added another 5000 seats and expanded the existing seating so as to increase his own public visibility. Statues of various gods were set up on the spina, and Augustus erected an Egyptian obelisk on it as well. There were many events held there but the most important was likely the chariot racing. Circus Maximus is certainly a sight to behold and a rich historical location.