# Circus Maximus ## General Info - **Year Published**: 1979 - **BGG Rating**: 6.8 - **BGG Rank**: #3170 - **Players**: 2-10 (Best with: 8) - **Duration**: 120 min - **Weight**: 2.62 / 5 - **Designers**: Don Greenwood, Michael J. Matheny - **Artists**: Cathy Chastain, Chris White (I), Michael Carroll - **Publishers**: The Avalon Hill Game Co, Battleline - **Categories**: Ancient, Fighting, Racing - **Mechanics**: Action Points, Action Queue, Betting and Bluffing, Dice Rolling, Grid Movement, Hexagon Grid, Paper-and-Pencil, Player Elimination, Push Your Luck, Scenario / Mission / Campaign Game, Variable Player Powers ## Verdict 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!Full immersion in Ancient RomeVaried and interactive mechanicsDistinct game modes (racing and gladiator)Fun, unpredictable chaosPlayer elimination possibleLong playtime (2+ hours)Not for those who prefer calm gamesFOR GENRE FANS ## Description 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. ## FAQ ### 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.