Final answer:
Chariot races in Ancient Rome were held at the Circus Maximus, which was designed for such events. Roman chariot-racers were part of four main teams, each represented by a color, and competed in races that were spectacles for tens of thousands of spectators including emperors. The dangerous nature of the sport led to charioteers, who often started as slaves, becoming major celebrities but also facing great risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chariot races in Ancient Rome were primarily held in the Circus Maximus, a large outdoor venue specifically designed for this purpose. As the most popular sport in Rome, chariot racing drew tens of thousands of spectators, including emperors who were often avid fans. For instance, Emperor Caligula constructed his own private racetrack on the Vatican Hill. The races involved teams or factions that were distinguished by colors: blue, green, red, and white. These factions competed fiercely in the races, which used two or four-horse chariots, and occasionally, chariots could even have teams of up to ten horses. Charioteers were considered superstars of the ancient world and could earn substantial amounts, though they also faced significant risks.
Nearby the Circus Maximus were other important locations such as the Hippodrome and the Baths of Zeuxippus. The Hippodrome was also a venue for chariot races and could accommodate over 80,000 spectators. The charioteers themselves often started as slaves and pursued their dangerous careers with various factions, becoming well-known figures in Roman culture, much like modern athletes. Nonetheless, the risks were high, and many charioteers died young due to the perilous nature of the sport.