Chariot Racing was one of the most dangerous sports in the ancient times. Chariots and their horses were often severely injured, or sometimes they died. Chariot Racing often generated lots of spectator enthusiasm. Sometimes the crowd would get so rowdy, that sometimes there would be fights. This sport was one of the main events in the ancient Olympics. Each Chariot was pulled by four horses. Chariot racing was originally added to the Olympics in 680 BCE. Usually Chariot Racers would die young from this brutal sport. If you win a chariot race, you could automatically become a celebrity, and become very wealthy. There was often a rivalry between charioteers, which lead to an even more intense race. The winning maneuver was to drive as close as possible, to try to force your opponents out. This was probably the most dangerous part of Chariot Racing. Drivers raced with the reins wrapped tight around their wrists which mean that if a chariot was disintegrated, the driver had to choose between being dragged to death, or cutting himself free and taking his chances with the horses following behind. This is why Charioteers always carried a knife. This info is from |
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