Sunday at the Circus Maximus

There is always activity at the Circus Maximus, and this Sunday was no different. As we were on the bus going past the site of this ancient arena we noticed a group of men dressed as Roman Gladiators. They were being led by a man in golden armor, a red cape and plumed helmet, carrying a standard with SPQR at the top. Maybe they were re-enating some event or just entertaining the tourists. At the opposite end of the Circus Maximus was a group of pilgrims gathered in prayer around a processional cross. Were the gladiators going to confront the Christians? We never found out because our bus continued on it's way toward the Temple of Hercules, the Theater of Marcello, and through the Piazza Venezia on our way to church.

"Massimo Silenzio" made by artist Giancarlo Neri, illuminated the huge ellipse of the Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo) with 10,000 12-inch globes in a changing pattern of colors. This picture was taken on Sunday, September 9, 2007, during Notte Bianca, the all-night festival celebrating the arts and the people of Rome.