Circus Maximus
2–10 players • Avalon Hill • 1979
- Publisher
- Avalon Hill · Battleline Publications
- First published
- 1979
- Players
- 2–10 players
How it plays
Circus Maximus plays 2–10 players.
Where to find one
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Where it came from
Circus Maximus was published by Avalon Hill in 1979, emerging during a period when the company was heavily invested in expanding the scope of board wargaming to include historical simulations beyond military conflict. Designed by Michael Matheny, the game sought to translate the brutal, high-stakes atmosphere of Roman chariot racing into a tabletop format. It focused on the tactical management of momentum, lane positioning, and the inherent violence of the arena, requiring players to navigate the precarious balance between speed and the durability of their vehicles.
The game is noted for its modular board segments and a robust system for resolving collisions and combat between charioteers. Critically, it was received as a faithful if complex simulation of its subject matter, often cited for its attention to detail regarding the mechanics of racing and the logistical pressures placed on the charioteers. While it remains a niche title within the broader Avalon Hill catalog, it is frequently referenced for its immersive approach to replicating ancient athletic competition.
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About Circus Maximus
Circus Maximus is a game in the Board Games catalog on collecto.rs. 2–10 players • Avalon Hill • 1979. Catalog data is sourced from Wikidata. No public games collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How do you play Circus Maximus?
Circus Maximus is a board game for 2–10 players. collecto.rs catalogues the game, not its rules — for the full rulebook, use the copy in the box or the publisher's own site.
How many players is Circus Maximus for?
Circus Maximus is built for 2–10 players. That count comes from this catalog entry alone — nothing from an expansion or a spin-off is folded into it.
Who publishes Circus Maximus?
Circus Maximus is published by Avalon Hill and Battleline Publications. The catalog gives its publication year as 1979.
How many collectors track Circus Maximus on collecto.rs?
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Where does the Circus Maximus catalog entry come from?
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