Les spectateurs des jeux du cirque à Rome (Ier s. a.C. au VIe s. p.C.) : passion, émotions et manifestations

The public’s state of excitement during the chariot races in ancient Rome appears, in some respects, as commonplace in many passages of ancient literature that have come down to us. However, the enthusiasm aroused by these shows in Rome, as in the provinces of the Empire, is confirmed not only by the ruins of ancient circuses still visible today in Rome and elsewhere in Europe or North Africa, but also by a large number of representations of charioteers and horses on mosaics, frescoes, or even everyday objects (knife handles, oil lamps, glass bowls, etc.) held in numerous museums around the world.

The first part of this volume presents the sources which we have on the spectators in the Roman circuses and the difficulties of interpretation that they pose. The second part of this work proposes an analysis of the behavior of the crowds in the circuses during the games, mainly in Rome, which is based in part on recent research concerning the reactions of supporters in modern football stadiums. Finally, the last part of this study examines the relationships maintained by the Roman emperors with the circus games and their spectators. It highlights the many advantages, but also sometimes disadvantages, that these mass entertainments presented for the political establishment in imperial Rome.