The Circus Maximus was the largest hippodrome in ancient Rome and was used for chariot races. Now its ruins are located between the hills Palatine and Aventine. Initially, the circus was a simple field in the valley, but later various wooden buildings appeared there (benches for spectators and lodges for respected and wealthy citizens, a wooden start and stalls for horses), and the hippodrome itself was expanded, improved and decorated with obelisks, a fountain, altars of deities , triumphal arch. Each Roman ruler made his own changes to the appearance of the Circus Maximus. During its heyday, which fell on the reign of the first Roman emperors, the Circus Maximus was one of the most impressive buildings in Rome - it is believed that it could accommodate about 250 thousand spectators. With the spread of Christianity, the role of Circo Massimo was lost. After that came the complete decline of the circus, races and competitions were no longer held. The inhabitants of Rome gradually began to dismantle the walls for building materials, and the arena was covered with swampy soil and covered with garbage.. Today, only the ruins of a large, green field remain from the large building. Now the Circus Maximus is used as a park area - rock concerts, mass celebrations, parades of military equipment and celebrations of the birthday of Rome are held in the former ancient Roman arena.