Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Circus Maximus 1581

This 1581 engraving by Giovanni Ambrogio Brambilla, titled *Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Circus Maximus*, offers a detailed perspective of the ancient Roman chariot racing stadium. The artist meticulously recreated the architectural details of the Circus Maximus, including its tiered seating, the obelisk, and surrounding structures. The image, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provides a visual glimpse into the grandeur of Roman architecture and the lively spectacle of chariot races that captivated audiences for centuries. The engraving is an example of the growing interest in classical antiquity during the Renaissance, as artists and scholars sought to understand and reimagine the past.