Well, I can't always just be sitting in front of my pc, typing about Rome. So instead, here's another lighthearted look at the Roman world.

In a park outside Carlisle's impressive castle (Carlisle's Roman name Luguvallium) the stunt-team 'The Devil's Horsemen' performed a Roman chariot race. Unlike a reenactment group these stuntmen were not so much bothered about historical accuracy than about showmanship.
Unfortunately for me, the nature of their performance demanded a sprawling arena, so at times things were too far away for me to catch with my simple compact camera.
Though I can assure everyone that they are well worth going to see. They are professionals who have performed some of the horse-stunts for Hollywood movies like 'Braveheart' or 'First Knight', as well as many stunts for many tv-series.

The Devil's Horsemen Homepage

Two of the four charioteers before the race. The calm before the storm.

Here they are, circling the arena, being presented to the crowd.

Naturally lots of bravado accompanied the show, as the charioteers sought to impress their audience. On the left the black charioteer yelling at the spectators that he, and only he, is going to win this race. On the right the yellow charioteer riding shotgun on top of his chariot. One can easily imagine that this kind of showing-off may well have been the case in an ancient circus before the race began.

On the left; the red charioteer leaves one in no doubt as to who he thinks is going to win - him. On the right; the white chariot which in the course of the race actually comes apart in an impressive stunt.

Any moment now ! All lined up they drive alongside each other, waiting for the signal to go.

Here are two of 'em going for gold. It's an impressive site to behold as they charge past.

Look closely and you can see the arms of the charioteer who's hanging onto the back of his chariot, after the villain of the race has lept onto his cart and thrown him off.

To summarise, one can but say that these guys sure know how to put on a show. My thanks to 'The Devil's Horsemen' for a great performance. I sure was impressed.

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