Roman Chariot Statue

Historians claim that chariot racing was the most popular sport in ancient Rome, appealing to all social classes from slaves to gladiators all the way up to the emperor himself. The popularity of Roman chariot racing is reflected in the many Roman household items that were decorated with valiant charioteer racing motifs. Roman slaves were often made into charioteers (called aurigae or agitatores), or gladiators, who fought for their freedom with the aid of a team of horses, a chariot and perhaps some armor. Notice the Trojan mohawk on the helmet of the chariot driver statue.