\paperw5295 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \f1 \fs22 Down the center of the arena ran a barrier known as the spina, around which the charioteers had to turn. The spina was
bounded at each end by semicircular metae and it was adorned with numerous statues and works of architecture. The circus was used chiefly for two- and four-horse chariot (biga and quadriga) races, but hunts and gladiatorial spectacles were also staged i
n it. Many supporters (the Circus Maximus in Rome could hold almost 300,000) came to cheer on the charioteers of the rival factions. There were four of these in Rome: the Whites, Reds, Greens, and Blues.\par
