Circus Maximus young star: Iarbas the Auriga

In the bustling heart of Rome, under the reign of the illustrious Emperor Trajan, a young Auriga named Iarbas has captured the imagination of thousands. A liberto of North African origin, Iarbas is one of the most celebrated charioteers to race in the grand Circus Maximus, the epicenter of Roman entertainment.

Every morning, Iarbas dedicates himself to rigorous training. At the gymnasium, he hones his strength with weights, agility drills, and endurance runs. His lean frame is a testament to countless hours of toil, his body a tool as finely tuned as the wheels of his quadriga. But physical prowess alone cannot win races; he spends hours mastering the art of chariot driving, steering his four-horse team through tight turns and high-speed straights with precision.

Iarbas’ relationship with his horses is sacred. He tends to them personally, calling each by name—Aquila, Niger, Celer, and Ignis—and feeding them choice barley and apples. In the quiet moments before dawn, he whispers to them in a mix of Latin and his native tongue, forging a bond of trust that is as crucial as the reins in his hands.

The evening before a race in the Circus Maximus, Iarbas retreats to his small shrine. He lights candles and offers sacrifices to Mercury, patron of speed and cunning, and to Fortuna, goddess of luck. He meditates on past victories and visualizes the roar of the crowd, the thunder of hooves, and the surge of adrenaline as he crosses the finish line.

When race day arrives, the Circus Maximus teems with energy, its massive stone tiers filled with Romans eager to see Iarbas compete. For them, he is more than a driver; he is a symbol of resilience, a man who rose from the sands of North Africa to command the greatest spectacle in Rome.

Discover more about the tale of Iarbas the Auriga by booking our walking tour: “Monks and Knights on Aventino“.