Audiovisual Tour Guides
ROME WALKING TOURS
CIRCUS MAXIMUS
Combining the magic of history, travel and storytelling by allowing visitors to not just see the sites, but step inside their stories.
"Ancient world goddess Margaret George's gossipy Roman guide takes us on a fun and informative tour so immersive you'll be looking over your shoulder for the emperor and passionately cheering for imaginary chariot teams as the golden dolphins fall to a surprise ending."
Stephanie Dray, New York Times bestselling author of Lily of the Nile & America's First Daughter
Testimonials
“The Charioteer will have you breathing the dust, feeling the marble, hearing the whinny and stamp of horses, and joining the roar of the crowd as if you'd been transported by a time machine.
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Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Huntress, The Rose Code and Empress of Rome Saga
The Circus Maximus (Latin for "largest circus") dates back to the 8th century BC - the earliest days of Rome. It was built as the site for the public games during Roman religious festivals - including hosting the beloved gladiator fights, prior to the construction of the Colosseum.
Eventually, the site became solely for the purpose of chariot racing, the most popular of all public entertainments. By the first century AD, the Circus Maximus had been developed into a grand stadium capable of seating 150,000 spectators.
Travel back in time to 64 AD and the reign of Emperor Nero - to the last day of the festival of Ceres. The stadium is at capacity to enjoy the chariot races, but also in the hope to see the Emperor who has not been seen much in public since the devastating fire that destroyed two thirds of Rome the previous year. Nero has been rebuilding it at a furious pace, and the Circus was one of his top priorities - fittingly, too, since the fire started in the Circus, at one of the food stalls at the curved eastern end.
Nero was determined to build Rome back more splendid and glorious than ever and has spared no expense. But the senators are unhappy with his frivolous spending - particularly his enormous luxurious new palace called the Golden House atop the Palatine Hill.
Come and find your seat and immerse yourself in a day of chariot racing and learn of the real life plot to assassinate the Emperor on this last day of the festival. Our audio / visual self-guided tour of the Circus Maximus - The Charioteer is written by six-time New York Times bestselling author Margaret George (Splendor in the Dark, Confessions of a Young Nero) and narrated by George Blagden (Versailles, Vikings). The experience includes digital reconstructions of the Circus Maximus.
The year is 65 AD and the controversial Emperor Nero has spared no expense to fulfill his promise to the people of Rome. The Circus Maximus has been rebuilt following the great fire and is now the most impressive track ever constructed. While this endears Nero to charioteering fans, discontent grows among the Senators over his frivolous spending.
Follow along with our intrepid chaperon, Appius Teretina, as he guides you through these true events on the final day of the festival of Ceres. Place bets on your favorite Charioteer team and find out if the Blues, Reds, Whites or the Emperor’s favored Greens, carry the day!
And, if you’re lucky, the Emperor himself will appear before the final race of the day. You’ll discover that even amongst civil unrest and treasonous plots of murder, the show must go on!
Learn about the Circus Maximus, chariot racing, and the real-life murderous plot against Emperor Nero as you Step Inside the Story of The Charioteer.
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MARGARET GEORGE
AUTHOR
New York Times, Wall Street Journal and London Times bestselling author of eight historical novels.
GEORGE BLAGDEN
NARRATOR
Actor best known for his roles as King Louis XIV in Versailles, the monk Athelstan in Vikings and Grantaire in Les Miserables.