Classical Mythology - Essay Example

Fans of a particular stable/faction identified themselves with their stable colors in those race competitions. The stables encouraged this loyalty by establishing an equivalence of “clubhouses” in Rome to entertain their fans. This trend later spread to other cities as chariot racing grew. Charioteers who rose to heroism and some to freedom after they died had their victories written on their gravestones. Charioteers with decorated careers had monuments erected with engravings of their victories and achievements either by themselves or by others (Roberts, p150).

Historical evidence indicate that, almost all the charioteers came from a very low social class (slaves) with exception of a few. The charioteers started very young, rose to fame and eventually died while still young. From the evidence, Roman charioteers lead a similar life path. A majority rose from slavery, started racing very young, bought their freedom and finally died while still young (most died before attaining thirty years). From sources 2, 3, 4, and 7, the charioteers started their racing careers young and met their demise before their thirties.

Source 2 describes the life and achievements of Fuscus. He was 24 years old and a driver for the Green Company. He won 53 times and was the first driver to win on the first day of racing. A pillar was erected in the consulate of Gaius and Marcus Servilius and curved with his achievements. Source 3 does not provide the name of the driver as his name was not engraved on his gravestone. He died at the age of 25 in the consulate of Appius Annius. He was a driver for the blue stables. Crescens was born in Mauritius (evidence suggests that, he was of an African origin).

He started racing when he was 22 years in the consulate of Lucius Vipsanius. He was a driver for the blue faction. Just like the other drivers he died before reaching the age of 30 years. Finally, Marcus Aurelius. He died at the age of 29 years. His career