Caesarea, Haifa District, Israel

The Chariot-Races

The Carceres

By Dale K. Benington, April 4, 2019

1. The Chariot-Races Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

From the starting gates (carceres), chariots dashed counterclockwise on a seven-lap race whose finishing line was situated in front of the officials' tribune. The sharp curve at the turning posts (meta prima and meta secunda), at each end of the track, posed a major challenge for the charioteers.

The carceres, often modified, were arranged so as to offer a fair chance to all competitors. In the first stage - the Herodian period - they were parallel to the long axis of the arena (1). In later stages - the Roman period - they followed a radical setting (2).

Location. 32° 29.992′ N, 34° 53.466′ E. Marker is in Caesarea, Haifa District. Marker can be reached from Kvish HaTe'atron just west of Rothschild, on the right when traveling west. This historical marker is located in the Caesarea Maritima National Park, very near to the western end of Kvish HaTe'atron Street. The marker is situated at the northern end of the hippodrome. Touch for map. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. King Herod's 'Hippodrome' (here, next to this marker); The Palace Vaults (within shouting distance

By Dale K. Benington, April 4, 2019

2. The Chariot-Races Marker

View of the marker, looking south along the hippodrome.

of this marker); The Governor's Palace Baths (within shouting distance of this marker); Sarcophagus Lid (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Harbor "Sebastos" (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); The Caesarea Nymphaeum (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); a different marker also named The Chariot-Races (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); a different marker also named King Herod's Hippodrome (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Caesarea.

Also see . . .
1. Caesarea Maritima. This is a link to information, regarding Caesarea Maritima, provided by Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (Submitted on July 9, 2019, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)

2. Caesarea Maritima - Cornell University. This is a link to information, regarding Caesarea Maritima and the Promontory Palace, provided by Cornell University. (Submitted on July 9, 2019, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)

3. Caesarea Maritima. This is a link to information, regarding Caesarea Maritima, provided by the BiblePlaces.com website. (Submitted on July 9, 2019, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)

The Chariot-Races Starting Gate image. Click for full size.

By Dale K. Benington, April 4, 2019

3. The Chariot-Races Starting Gate

View of the ancient hippodrome's starting gates, with a view of chariot and horses art work.

Categories. • Anthropology & Archaeology • Man-Made Features • Parks & Recreational Areas •

By Dale K. Benington, April 4, 2019

4. The Chariot-Races Marker

A broader and wider view of the ancient hippodrome's starting gates, with a view of the hippodrome looking south.

More. Search the internet for The Chariot-Races.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2019. This page originally submitted on July 1, 2019, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 42 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 9, 2019, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.