The Circus Of Maxentius In Rome, Italy Editorial Photo

The Circus of Maxentius on the Appian Way in Rome, Italy. Known until the 19th century as the Circus of Caracalla it is part of a complex of buildings erected by emperor Maxentius around AD 306 and 312. The villa is situated between the second and third miles of the Via Appia near the basilica and catacombs of San Sebastiano and the imposing late republican tomb of Caecilia Metella, which dominates the hill that rises immediately to the east of the complex. The Circus of Maxentius, the Familial Mausoleum, the remains of the palace compose today the archeological area. The Circus itself is the best preserved in the area of Rome, and is second only in size to the Circus Maximus. The complex was probably never used after the death of Maxentius in AD 312. The modern-day visitor enters the archeological area from the west end, where the remains of the circus are located. The admission is free.