The Circus Flaminius

Abstract

Ever since Professor Gatti's epoch-making paper in 1960, the Circus Flaminius and its buildings have been the subject of intensive argument. The problems involved are many and complex; this paper is an attempt to make sense of them by concentrating in the first instance on the implications of the ancient evidence, both as to the nature of the Circus itself (Section I) and on the history of its development and the buildings within it (II). There follows a discussion of Gatti's theory about the position of the Circus and of Professor Marchetti Longhi's objections to it (III), and a critical consideration of some of the ideas advanced on the basis of Gatti's position (IV), in particular Dr. Coarelli's identification of the temple of Bellona (V). A brief conclusion (VI) sums up what I believe the combined evidence implies.