Chariot racing, a top sport at that time, involved one to four horses pulling a chariot just big enough for one driver.

It was a dangerous sport that often led to crashes and injuries to horses and drivers. Spectators were also at risk from flying parts of broken chariots.

The chariots could easily tip over or break apart in a collision. Drivers wore no protective gear except for a leather helmet. As a safety measure, bodies and other debris were pulled off the arena between races.

Both charioteers and horses could become popular stars. According to writers of that time, fans would riot, fight and even stab supporters of opposing teams.