During antiquity, chariot races were one of the main attractions of the Ludi Romani (Rome games) as well as of the Greek games. These races, lasting the entire day, gave rise to numerous bets in an over-excited atmosphere. The chariots were owned by rich Roman families and were ridden by auriges. The chariots were simple boxes assembled with two wheels, similar to war chariots once. As they were extremely light, the weight of the aurige was the only source of stability.

The auriges were actual heroes who, as soon as they ensured, at the risk of their life, the victory of their sponsors’ chariots, quickly reached fame and wealth. The crowd was really fond of them, as Emperors were; some of them would even take part in chariots races as auriges.

To lead their sponsors’ chariots to victory, the Aurige needed clearsightedness, experience and pugnacity. Most of all, they had to be fully dedicated to their sponsors and pay particular attention to their carriage.