Circus Maximus

The Avalon Hill Game Co, Battleline · Board game · 1979
Ludopedia 6.8 BGG 2–10 · best 8 120 min Weight 2.6/5
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rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you love thematic, chaotic games, Circus Maximus is a blast. It's Ancient Rome at its most intense, with tons of action and backstabbing!

Highlights
  • Full immersion in Ancient Rome
  • Varied and interactive mechanics
  • Distinct game modes (racing and gladiator)
  • Fun, unpredictable chaos
Keep in mind
  • Player elimination possible
  • Long playtime (2+ hours)
  • Not for those who prefer calm games
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Circus Maximus throws you into Ancient Rome, where the thrill of chariot races and the brutality of gladiatorial combat collide. In the racing mode, you assemble your team with horses, a driver, and a chariot—each with unique abilities—and compete in three laps of pure adrenaline. Anything goes here: whipping, collisions with scythed wheels, and even running over crashed opponents. In the gladiator mode, it's a fight for survival where every move could be your last. Plus, there's a campaign mode that lets you manage teams and bet on races to increase your winnings. With varied mechanics and an immersive theme, Circus Maximus delivers a chaotic, intense experience that recreates the splendor and violence of the Roman era.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

3 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–10 players
2 OK
3 OK
4 BEST
5 REC
6 BEST
7 BEST
8 BEST
9 REC
10 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Ancient: Rome Animals: Horses Digital Implementations: VASSAL Sports: Chariot Racing Sports: Horse Racing Theme: Gladiators
Publisher The Avalon Hill Game Co, Battleline
Designer Don Greenwood, Michael J. Matheny
Artist Cathy Chastain, Chris White (I), Michael Carroll

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

3,229owners
314wishlist
84want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many players can join?
2 to 10 players, great for large groups.
How long does a game last?
About 2 hours, so brace for an intense experience.
Is it hard to learn?
Moderate learning curve, but the mechanics click after a few rounds.
What's the difference between racing and gladiator modes?
Racing is about speed and sabotage, while gladiator focuses on tactical combat.
Does it need a lot of table space?
Yes, the board is large with many components, so a spacious table is ideal.

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