Loyola University Chicago

Circus Maximus in the 1990s

Some may perceive the Circus Maximus, a once thriving Roman game site that has evolved into a grassy trench, as devoid of modern use. However, Rome Center students do not revere the Circus Maximus only as an ancient entity. The students brought the antiquated stadium, located between the Aventine and the Palatine hills, into the `90s with ultimate frisbee, a fast-paced frisbee game played with teams.

Eighteen students stormed Circus Maximus Sunday, October 30 for an exhilarating, sweat-filled game of ultimate frisbee. The game was open to both sexes, but only one female student, Anya Garofoli, Concord, N.H., braved the field. Two, nine-member teams played two games, which tested their endurance for over two hours.

The teams appeared to be equally matched, each one obtaining a victory. The second game was the more intense of the two as Michael Moroney, Oak Park, Ill., made a plummeting catch in order to score the last point of the game.

The concept of ultimate frisbee is simple; it is essentially a combination of football and soccer, played with a frisbee. There are two end zones where you must catch the frisbee in order to score. The main difference from these two sports is that, in ultimate, players are forbidden to take more than three steps with possession of the frisbee. This rule is similar to traveling in basketball.

Needing a large field on which to play, students found that Circus Maximus was the ideal setting. Stretching 580 meters long and 79 meters wide, the internal arena provided plenty of room for the eager participants. It had no obstacles such as barbed wire fences, security guards, buildings or cars, which have previously caused problems for the avid frisbee players at the Rome Center.

Along with the actual topography of Circus Maximus, the students appreciated its rich history. "Knowing the history of Circus Maximus really intensified the experience," said Michael Wade, Lake Bluff, Ill. The students were amazed to be playing frisbee in the first and largest circus used for games in Rome. Playing in the same stadium whose first factual reference dates back to 329 B.C. was a monumental experience for the students. The ancient stadium once held up to 250,000 spectators cheering a myriad of Roman games, primarily chariot races.

The magnitude of Circus Maximus has left the players with a lasting memory. "Coming to Rome has immensely enhanced my knowledge of history, and playing a sport in Circus Maximus made me feel as if I was perpetuating an ancient tradition," said Moroney. "This was definitely something to write home about," he said.

"I've played ultimate a lot at home, but this was ultimate in Circus Maximus!," said Peter Farrell, Lake Bluff, Ill., "It was incredible, nothing will ever compare."

Ultimate Frisbee in the Circus Maximus is becoming a tradition at the Rome Center; students have played there for the past two years. More games will be scheduled in the spring semester.