Businessman and Rome enthusiast Jess Jephcott stands on the site of a Roman chariot racing arena in Colchester. Photograph: Frank Baron
Posted on 02/08/2010 4:39:18 PM PST by SunkenCiv
When the white handkerchief dropped, the Ben Hurs of Colchester would have set off down Circular Road North, past the banked tiers of seats, turning left at Napier Road, their iron tyres gouging a deep rut in the track,and back up past St John's gatehouse towards the water-spouting dolphin marking the end of the first lap. Colchester, it seems, was the Formula One track of Roman Britain, with the only chariot racing circus ever found on the island, and the first found in northern Europe for 20 years... The racetrack is still buried under roads, gardens and old army buildings, but campaigners want to buy a large Victorian garden covering the key part of the circuit. Under the grass lies eight stone enclosures, originally with double wooden doors like giant greyhound racing traps. Each would have held a nervous driver standing in a chariot as fragile as a bentwood chair, reins wrapped around his waist so if he crashed he would probably be dragged to his death, and his four horses waiting for the race marshal on the open balcony above to start the race... Digs suggest the circus was built in the early 2nd century, and lasted about 150 years before falling out of use, possibly because local grandees could no longer afford the high cost of day-long races -- with not only free admission but the crowd expecting gifts. Nothing remains above ground except stones taken for later building, but for almost 2,000 years the 350m outline has remained remarkably intact, under fields and 19th-century army land. The stable blocks that held up to 2,500 horses for a day's racing may lie under derelict Victorian cavalry stables and barracks
(Excerpt) Read more at guardian.co.uk ...
Businessman and Rome enthusiast Jess Jephcott stands on the site of a Roman chariot racing arena in Colchester. Photograph: Frank Baron
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Does anyone know if Quarter horses still race two-horse chariots? I saw photos of it a few decades back.
Stiff upper lip, old boy.
About one fourth of the time, yeah. ;’)
Do you like movies about gladiators?
I guess an accident like that would turn him into a sadiator.
I’ve got “Gladiator” on DVD, haven’t watched it in ages. The BluRay has a $10 rebate on it right now, for previous buyers of the DVD version.
These discoveries are always interesting. Their aspirations to save any of it are very optimistic.
Most is covered by buildings are parking lot of the army depot. It is a very inhabited area although there are some green areas.
Very cool find, I hope they are able to raise the money to save it. Would love to go visit it one day.
"You can have my reins when they pull them from my cold dead hands!"
Okay, that one is a ironic now. ;’)
Me too.
I’m afraid you’re right.
The scene with Judah Ben Hur and his Roman friend are amazingly funny once you get the “do you like movies about gladiators?” angle.
The actor opposite Charlton Heston was told what the director was going for, Charlie wasn't told and played it “straight”/heterosexual.
Amazing scene, and great direction arrived at the desired effect. Gay Roman hitting on Charlie, Charlie oblivious.
Good thing, or else they'd have to rename the movie, "Ben-Gay."
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