in the Roman circus, was a pile of stones of a pyramidal form, intended as a boundary of the stadium, or chariot course.—When the meta was passed the seventh time, the race was concluded. The greatest art and management were required in avoiding the meta, and yet going as near it as possible. If they went too near, they were in the greatest danger of breaking the chariot to pieces; and if they took too large a circuit in the turn, they gave their rivals an opportunity of getting within them, besides losing a great deal of ground. The boundary of the Grecian stadium, or course, was called τρίποδα, τρίποδα, γεγυμνα and αγωγή γεγυμνα; to which last name Horace probably alludes, in calling death "ultima linea verum."

The meta at Rome were first of wood, afterwards of stone; but the emperor Claudius made them of gold, or rather gilded them. In the Roman circus there were two meta, one at the entrance of the course, and the other at the end of it. An egg was placed upon the top of the meta.