The Roman Circus of Mérida measures 400 meters (1300 feet) in length and 30 meters (98 feet) in width. It was built in the early decades of the first century CE to host chariot races and could accommodate approximately thirty thousand spectators. It is among the best-preserved examples of Roman circuses in the world. It remained in use long after the triumph of Christianity, a testament to the popularity of chariot races across the Empire.