Chariot Racing was adored by the ancient greeks and the romans.These races were fierce and often led to the contestants being killed or incapacitated. The enthusiasm for the chariot races can be compared to the enthusiasm surrounding modern Formula 1. Betting took place rampantly at the venue of the chariot races, and the racers could grow very rich, as they won more and more races. Players were traded and the racing teams grew more and more powerful, until their powers were curbed. Their immense popularity and the pleasure they gave the people, and the political role they played in diverting energies that might otherwise have gone into rioting and other forms of popular unrest is worth serious consideration.
