Campus Martius

a famous level place in ancient Rome. It lay between the more northerly of the seven hills and the Tiber. It stretched along the river for a mile or so. It must have been at least half a mile in width. The name signifies "Plain of Mars"--military plain, we might translate it. It was used for military exercises and for popular assemblies. During the reign of Augustus public buildings, booths, circuses, theaters, and temples began to encroach upon the campus; but there was still room for chariot races, horse races, ball games, and other athletic sports. It is now occupied by the chief part of modern Rome. See Rome