Please note that specific dates for certain events may vary in historical records, the following timeline provides a general overview of the significant developments associated with the Circus Maximus over the centuries.

From its humble origins as a simple racecourse in the Roman Kingdom to its zenith during the Roman Empire period as the largest and most iconic arena of the ancient world, the chronological journey of the Circus Maximus is a compelling tale that mirrors the ebb and flow of Roman civilization.

circa 600 BCE

Origins
The Circus Maximus is believed to have originated as a simple racecourse, on the level ground of the Valley of Murcia (Vallis Murcia) situated between Rome's Aventine and Palatine Hills, during the Roman Kingdom period. At this time in history this area would have been a rich agricultural land.

circa 600 BCE

First Official Races
According to tradition, chariot races were introduced around this time by Tarquinius Priscus to celebrate military victories and to formalise the use of the valley site that became the Circus Maximus.

circa 509 BCE

Institution of the Ludi Romani
After the fall of the monarchy, the Ludi Romani became the principal religious games, held in September in honor of Jupiter Optimus Maximus. Livy (1.35) and Dionysius of Halicarnassus attribute the institution of public games to the early kings or the first years of the Republic. These were likely occasional vows (vota) to Jupiter after military victories, not yet annual.

circa 490 BCE

Ludi Consuales
Agricultural festival races for horses and mules; associated mythically with the Rape of the Sabine Women, said to have occurred during such games.

circa 366 BCE

Annualization of the Ludi Romani
The “Roman Games” (Ludi Romani) dedicated to Jupiter became an annually state-sponsored spectacle, with chariot races and processions at the Circus Maximus. According to Livy (7.2), the games were made annual and placed under the control of the newly created curule aediles in 366 BCE. From then on, they became a fixed civic and religious festival every September.

circa 329 BCE

Earliest Wooden Structures
Titus Livius mentions that the first wooden seating structures were constructed during the reign of the first Etruscan king of Rome, Lucius Tarquinius Priscus, marking the transition from a simple track to a more organized venue for events. These seating arrangements were made for the Rome's highest echelons (the equites and patricians). Around the same time permanent wooden starting stalls were built. These structures were gated, and brightly painted.

circa 280 BCE

First Permanent Constructions
Permanent starting gates, known as the carceres, are constructed, enhancing the organization of chariot races.

circa 264 BCE

First Recorded Munera
While early contests were held in the Forum, around this time the Circus was adapted for larger-scale spectacles involving beasts, mock battles and first recorded dladiatorial games (munera).

circa 50 BCE

Julian Expansion and Reconstruction
Julius Caesar expands and renovates the Circus Maximus, increasing its seating capacity and adding more amenities.

circa 46 BCE

Games of Caesar
Caesar celebrated his quadruple triumph with 320 pairs of gladiators and exotic animals; he also rebuilt and enlarged the Circus Maximus.

circa 46-50 CE

Claudian Improvements
Over the centuries the site of the Circus Maximus remaind prone to flooding when during the reign of emperor Claudius some kind of antiflooding embankments were installed. Around the same time further improvements were made to the Circus Maximus, including the addition of an obelisk (Flaminio Obelisk, also called the Obelisk of Augustus) from ancient Egypt.

circa 64 CE

Neronian Fire
A devastating fire began in the stalls and shops around the Circus Maximus, which contributed to wider conflagration across Rome; the venue was rebuilt afterwards with increased capacity.

circa 90 CE

Developments During the Flavian Dynasty
In 81 CE the Roman Senate built a triple arch honoring Titus at the semi-circular end of the Circus, to replace or augment a former processional entrance. Emperor Domitian carries out renovations and adds the curved ends to the spina.

circa 100-200 CE

Cult of Mithras
Duirng the first or second century CE a Mithraeum, dedicated to the cult of Mithras was installed in the western end of the Circo Massimo.

circa 121 CE

Celebrations on Rome's Birthday
On the 874th anniversary of the city’s founding (21 April 121 CE) under Emperor Hadrian, circus games (including chariot races) were held in the Circus Maximus to mark the occasion.

circa 200 CE

Severan Period
The Circus Maximus suffers damage from a fire during the reign of emperor Septimius Severus.

circa 330 CE

Constantinian Dynasty
Emperor Constantine completes additional renovations, including the construction of a new imperial viewing box (the pulvinar).

circa 445 CE

Fifth Century CE
The Circus Maximus is damaged during the sack of Rome by the Vandals.

circa 550 CE

Restoration During the Eastern Roman Empire (6th Century CE)
The Circus Maximus is partially restored during the Eastern Roman Empire period.

circa 1130 CE

Medieval Period
The Norman King Roger II of Sicily removes lead from the Circus Maximus for use in military operations.

circa 1586 CE

Renaissance
Pope Sixtus V removes the remaining obelisk from the Circus Maximus and places it in Piazza del Popolo.