Roman chariot track found in Essex

Historians believe they may have discovered the world's biggest Roman chariot-racing track outside Italy ... in Essex.

The track was unearthed by archaeologists at the site of the Army garrison in Colchester.

English Heritage experts have been drafted in to examine the finds and, if confirmed, it would be at least 1,600 years old and of major international importance.

Colchester holds the title of being the oldest recorded town in Britain as it was mentioned by Roman writer Pliny the Elder in AD77.

The 209-acre site was part of the Army base at Colchester. The garrison is home to 16 Air Assault Brigade, which includes elements of the Parachute Regiment.

Taylor Woodrow, the house builder which bought the land from the Defence Ministry to build 2,500 homes and a business park, was ordered to excavate the area before it started work.

A spokesman said: 'At the moment there are a couple of areas where we are not 100 per cent sure what we have found and we have sent reports to English Heritage.'

Army spokesman Major Ian Marlow said: 'There is not a huge

amount left, but the archaeological chaps have drawn up a plan of what it would have looked like.

'It is the remains of what could be the largest chariot-racing circuit outside Italy. It is quite a find.'

Philip Wise, of Colchester Museums Service, said if the find is verified, it could stop the development. But he added: 'I hope we would be able to work something out with the developers.'

Chariot races were hugely popular in Roman times, appealing to all social classes from the Emperor down. There was much private betting, but no public gambling.

Although most charioteers began as slaves, those who were successful soon made enough money to buy their freedom.

The four Roman racing companies or stables were known by the colours worn by their charioteers (red, white, blue and green), and fans became as devoted as modern football supporters to their chosen stable. The stables competed for the services of the best charioteers, whose celebrity matched that of today's sports stars. However, many did not live very long to enjoy their fame.

The biggest racing venue was the Circus Maximus in Rome - a third of a mile long and 150 yards wide and allegedly capable of holding up to 250,000 spectators.

Colchester was one of the earliest and most important Roman settlements, but was sacked by Boadicea and her Iceni tribe followers during an ill- fated rebellion in AD60.