The seven marble busts of the charioteers in Palazzimo Massimo were discovered in 1889 during the construction of the Trastevere rail station. Some charioteers became enormously popular. People followed their careers, celebrated their victories, and developed fierce loyalties to the racing factions they represented. A successful charioteer was a celebrity, earned a great deal of money, and acquired followings like modern stars.

All seven were discovered together in 1889, during construction of the Trastevere station in Rome. They came from the vicinity of an ancient shrine or monument dedicated to Hercules, a god associated with physical strength and athletic competition. The monument contained other images and offerings to Hercules, so it’s possible that these portraits had a votive function, perhaps dedicated by men seeking the god’s protection or giving thanks for his favor. Scholars debate their original purpose.

Charioteers occupied an unusual position in Roman society. Many were slaves or freedmen, and their profession was often disparaged by upper classes. Yet their popularity could be immense. The same society that looked down on professional performers could turn them into public heroes. Some charioteers got rich. Their portraits, it appears, could be displayed in public or religious settings.

We tend to think of Roman sculpture in terms of emperors, gods, and religious dedications. Seems to me that art historians want everything ancient to be religious. They were found near a shrine.

The portraits may have had a religious association, given where they were found. But look at them; look at the pride in the faces and the artistry that made them. Look at their expensive hairdos. The portraits themselves are celebrations of human accomplishment. The men who drove those chariots did something extraordinary. And the sculptors did something extraordinary in representing them. Both achievements – those portrayed and those who portrayed them – deserved to be remembered. The charioteers survived the races, the crowds, and about two thousand years.

More details in the short video I just put together.