Video - Ancient Olympics' Wildest Sport: Chariot Racing

Amazing History Facts They Don’t Cover at School. Did you know that chariot racing was the NASCAR of ancient Rome? These races were held in massive stadiums called circuses, with the Circus Maximus being the most famous, seating over 150,000 fans. The charioteers, or aurigae, were the rock stars of their time, often earning enormous sums of money and adoration. But it wasn't just the charioteers who were famous—the horses had their own fan clubs too! Races were brutal and dangerous, with crashes and injuries being common. The chariots themselves were lightweight and flimsy, making them prone to spectacular wipeouts. And here's a fun twist: chariot teams were divided into factions, each represented by a color. Fans would passionately support their favorite color, much like modern sports teams. So, which color would you be cheering for? Let us know in the comments! And don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more striking stories!