Chariot racing (, ) was one of the most popular
ancient Greek,
Roman, and
Byzantine sports.
Chariot racing often was dangerous to both driver and horse as they frequently suffered serious injury and even death, but generated strong spectator enthusiasm. Chariot races could be watched by women, while women were barred from watching many other sports. In the
ancient Olympic Games, as well as the other
Panhellenic Games, the sport was one of the main events. Each chariot was pulled by four horses.