Click on photo to enlarge it
This is a view of the hippodrome in Caesarea Maritima. The Mediterranean is on your left—you are looking directly north Hippodrome is a compound of two Greek words: “hippos” for horse and dromos for “course” or “circuit.” A historical marker at this hippodrome reads:
"The chariot races thrilled the crowds. The counterclockwise seven-lap [roughly 2 1/2 mile] race commenced at the starting gates (carceres) and ended at a finishing line situated in front of the dignitaries’ tribune. At each end of the axial rib (spina) were the two turning points (meta prima and meta secunda). Their sharp curves posed a major challenge to the skilled charioteers and the galloping horses."
"On your marks; Get set; GO!"
Click on photo to enlarge it.
In the photograph above, notice the iron artwork resembling a chariot team immediately in front of the starting gates located at the northern end of the hippodrome.
Josephus recorded the size of the hippodrome (Quoted in The Holy Land: An Oxford Archaeological Guide):
"Its proportions (50×290 m) [164 feet x 951 feet] mean that it could have been used for a variety of entertainments from running to chariot races; starting gates are visible at the north end. The podium wall was 1.7 m [5 1/2 feet] above the original floor, and above it on the east side were 12 rows of seats. Here in 11 BC Herod celebrated the great games inaugurating the new city (Antiquities 16:138-139).”
Comments
Post a Comment