See HELICON.

HIPPODROME was the place where the horse and chariot races of the Greeks took place. The way in which the Hippodrome was constructed is found in Pausanias, though there is some difficulty in making out precisely the details. The slope of a hill was chosen to form one side of the Hippodrome; opposite to this, and forming an oblong, was raised an artificial mound, connected with the slope by a semicircular termination. At the extremity opposite to the semicircle was the portico. From this end the chariots started, and as they kept to the right side, it was made a little longer than the left side. Thus each pair, the one of which started from the right side, and the other from the left, would have equal spaces to run. However, considerable numbers of chariots were often competing in the same race. In this case it is supposed that while the first pair started simultaneously, the second pair started just at the moment when the first were abreast of them, and so of the others. Each chariot had its own stall, from which it started when a cord was removed from before it. A bronze eagle and dolphin were used as a signal at the time of starting. The eagle was raised into the air, while the dolphin was lowered. Forming part of the axis of the Hippodrome was a wall with a goal at each end. Round this the chariots were required to pass several times. Along the sides of the Hippodrome seats were ranged for the spectators, special seats being reserved for the magistrates. See AMPHITHEATRE, and CIRCUS.