The Roman stadium in Rome used for chariot races and capable of holding about 150,000 spectators was the Circus Maximus.
The Circus Maximus occupied the valley between Rome’s Aventine and Palatine hills. It developed over centuries from an early racing ground into the empire’s largest mass-entertainment venue. Its long, oval track was designed for chariot racing, with a central barrier called the spina dividing the course. Races commonly covered seven laps, and teams were associated with colors such as the Blues and Greens.
The stadium measured roughly 621 meters long and could accommodate around 150,000 people, although ancient estimates were sometimes much higher and are disputed. The seating, shops, workshops, and entrances were built and rebuilt repeatedly, especially during the late Republic and imperial period.
The Circus Maximus was not the Colosseum. The Colosseum specialized in gladiatorial contests and animal spectacles, while the Circus was primarily a racing circuit and also hosted religious processions and public games. Chariot races continued there into late antiquity; the last known races are associated with the Ostrogothic king Totila in 549.