Roman mosaics of horsemen from each team
Beautiful Roman mosaics showing the horsemen of each team: Green (prasina), Blue (venata), White (albata), and Red (russata). The objects are dated to the 3rd century CE and are located in the archaeological museum next to Roma Termini main station. Originally, mosaics adorned the cubiculum floor of Villa dei Severi.
Next to gladiator fights, the Romans also loved chariot racing. In the time of Domitian two additional teams were introduced: Purple and Gold; shortly after his death in 96 CE have disappeared.
But where exactly did these colours represent the teams? In the 3rd century CE Tertullian mentioned that the Reds were dedicated to Mars, the White Zephyr, the Green to Mother Earth or spring, and the Blue to heaven and sea or to autumn .
- Tertullian, De spectaculis, IX
