The scale model of imperial Rome was made under the direction of I. Gismondi for the Museo di Civiltà Romana (1933-1955). This section represents of the Circus Maximus in its urban context. Of especial note is its collocation of the circus with the imperial palaces on the Palatine Hill to the left; the imperial box (pulvinar) is clearly shown. The model shows the monumental starting gate structure at the upper (west) short end of the circus, as well as the arch at the east end. The central barrier around which the chariots raced (spina) is decorated with various monuments including the turning posts (meta) at each end, obelisks, shrines an statues.
