Roman Chariot

Do you know who the highest paid athlete of all time is?

It’s Gauius Appuleius Diocles – a Roman chariot racer.

This is no ordinary chariot. This is a Roman racing chariot and that means speed. Chariot racing was the most favored sport in the Roman Empire – even over gladiatorial combat. It can be traced back as far as 1300 BCE.

It was not a safe sport by any means. The life of a charioteer was short. Racers tried to fore their opponents into the walls of the racetrack. Crashes were common as were deaths. Charioteers tied their reins around their body rather than hold them, so any crash resulted with the driver being dragged behind his horses.

The most successful Roman Charioteer was Gauius Appuleius Diocles. In his 24-year career, his winnings totaled 35,863,120 sesterces or approximately 15 billion US dollars. He is the highest paid athlete of all time.

A much more detailed history of chariot racing is included in the directions. Kit includes four differently posed horses, two charioteers, and an attractive base.

Models are supplied unpainted and some assembly may be required.