Chariot Racing

Iconoculture: What it lacks in Russell Crowe, it makes up for in authenticity. Visitors to Jerash, Jordan, can watch the Roman Army and Chariot Experience (RACE) – an authentic reenactment of Roman chariot races staged in a restored ancient Roman hippodrome. OK, there are no lions and no thumbs-down executions. But otherwise, it’s authentic. Reenactors are former Jordanian police officers and soldiers (AP Worldstream 7.1.05).
The emperor of RACE is Stellan Lind, a Swede with a thing for Ben-Hur. Says Lind: “Chariot racing is the biggest spectator sport of all times. Chariot racing went on from about 680 BC to 6, 7, 800 AD, not year after year but century after century after century, and the chariot racing was organized just like Formula One racing today” (Morning Edition 8.15.05). World-traveling history buffs line up for heart-racing, gritty experiences that help them escape the modern world and connect with ancient life.
When In Jordan… [Iconoculture]