In the later Roman Empire the charioteers were hired by factions, which were distinguished by different colours, and excited violent enthusiasm among all classes of Roman society. The passion survived the introduction of Christianity, and was perhaps even more violent at Constantinople than at Rome; it was said that the inhabitants of the new capital of the Empire divided their interests between a passion for chariot-racing and theological discussion. Successful charioteers were transferred from one faction to another like modern football-players. Records exist of the number of victories gained by famous whips, and of the proportion won under the different colours. The costume of the charioteer was always distinct. In Greece he wore a long robe girt at the waist, which is well seen on the bronze statue from Delphi,[38] and on the chariot-racing reliefs from the Mausoleum.[39] At Rome his dress was peculiar, and is illustrated by the terracotta relief (No. =179=; fig. 62) and other objects in this Case, notably the small ivory statuette (No. =180=; fig. 63). It consisted of a close-fitting cap, and a shirt fastened round the waist. Characteristic thongs called _fasciae_ were wound round the ribs. The thongs of the reins were also wound about the body. A knife was stuck in the belt so that the reins might be quickly cut in the event of an accident. [Illustration: FIG. 64.--LAMP SHOWING CHARIOT-RACE IN CIRCUS (NO. 181). Diam. 3-3/4 in.] A sort of bird's-eye view of the whole circus, with a race in progress, is given on the lamp No. =181= (fig. 64), on which we see on one side the _carceres_ or barriers with folding-doors from which the chariots started; on the other a stand with rows of spectators, while in the lower part of the design is the _spina_, or central rib of the circus, crowded with various structures. Not less instructive is the scene on the terracotta relief (No. =179=), though only one chariot is there represented (fig. 62, above). Two lamps (Nos. =182=, =183=) illustrate respectively the return of a victorious horse (fig. 65) and a victorious four-horse chariot. The former is accompanied by men bearing palm-branches and a tablet probably inscribed with the name of the successful competitor. [Illustration: FIG. 65.--VICTORIOUS HORSE (NO. 182). 3-3/5 in.] The cast No. =184= is taken from a mould in the Terracotta Room (No. E 79) for the central panel of a large lamp. Its chief figure is a successful charioteer, crowned with a bulky wreath. (178) _Cat. of Vases_, II., B 144; (179) _Cat. of Terracottas_, D 627; (181) _Cat. of Lamps_, 626; (182) _ibid._, 788; (183) _ibid._, 671; (184) _ibid._, 1398. For the circus in general see Daremberg and Saglio, s.v. Two interesting sarcophagus reliefs, with scenes in the circus, are shown in the Roman Gallery (_Cat. of Sculpture_, III., 2318, 2319). [Footnote 37: _El._ 680 ff.] [Footnote 38: _Cat. of Casts_, No. 94.]