Rome: How Romans Lived – Caracalla Baths & Circus Maximus

What would you have done for fun if you lived in Ancient Rome?

Discover the answer on a unique guided journey through two of Rome’s fascinating ancient sites: the Baths of Caracalla and Circus Maximus. Connected by one story, this experience explores how Ancient Romans relaxed, socialized, exercised and enjoyed their free time.

Begin inside the monumental Baths of Caracalla, one of the largest and best-preserved ancient Roman bath complexes in Rome. Instead of simply looking at archaeological ruins, step into the everyday life of Ancient Rome and imagine arriving for an afternoon at the baths nearly 2,000 years ago. Discover where Romans exercised, met friends and moved between the hot, warm and cold bathing rooms. Learn why Roman baths were much more than places for bathing and became important centres of social life, leisure and wellbeing.

Your expert guide will bring the Baths of Caracalla back to life through engaging stories about Roman bathing rituals, exercise, hygiene, beauty and everyday social customs. Discover the sophisticated heating and water systems behind the complex and imagine its magnificent marble decoration, mosaics, pools and monumental spaces as they once appeared. But leisure in Ancient Rome wasn't always relaxing.

Leave the Baths of Caracalla and continue on foot toward the nearby Circus Maximus, the legendary home of Roman chariot racing. Here, the story changes from relaxation to adrenaline. Enter the exciting world of Ancient Rome's most popular sporting spectacle. Discover the chariot racing factions supported by passionate Roman crowds and hear about professional charioteers who became some of the greatest sporting celebrities of their time.

Learn about dramatic races, dangerous crashes, fierce rivalries, enormous audiences and the extraordinary popularity of chariot racing throughout the Roman Empire. Your guide will connect ancient Roman fan culture with the way we experience major sporting events today, revealing surprising similarities between ancient and modern entertainment. By connecting the Baths of Caracalla and Circus Maximus through one continuous story, this experience offers a different way to discover Ancient Rome. Go beyond emperors, wars and monuments and discover Rome through the people who lived here — exercising, bathing, meeting friends, supporting their favorite racing teams and searching for entertainment almost two thousand years ago.

Not allowed

• Alcohol and drugs
• Drones
• Luggage or large bags
• Tripods
• Weapons or sharp objects

Know before you go

• Please dress according to the weather and bring sun protection and water during the warmer months
• Some areas have uneven ancient surfaces and steps
• The itinerary or access to specific areas may occasionally change due to archaeological site regulations, restoration work or special events
• The tour takes place both inside the Baths of Caracalla archaeological site and outdoors at the Circus Maximus
• This is a walking tour, so comfortable shoes are recommended