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200 BCE
(200 BC - 400 AD)
The Romans were known for their love of entertainment and spectacle, and circus games were a popular form of entertainment during this time. The most famous of these was the Circus Maximus, a large stadium that could hold up to 250,000 spectators and was used for chariot races, gladiatorial contests, and other events. -
500
(500 - 1500 AD)
During the Middle Ages, traveling performers known as "jongleurs" or "minstrels" would often perform in town squares and at fairs. These performers would often include acrobats, jugglers, and other entertainers. -
Modern Circus
It is said that the circus as we know it today began in the 18th century with Philip Astley. In 1768 he opened an amphitheater and became known as the father of the modern circus, his contemporaries soon followed him opening more circuses around Europe and the US. -
First Clown
The first mainstream clown was Joseph Grimaldi with his role of Little Clown in the pantomime “The Triumph of Mirth, or Harlequin's Wedding,” in 1781. -
Contemporary Circus
The circus continued to evolve and change throughout the 20th century, with new acts and technologies being introduced. And what we know as "contemporary circus" or "nuveau cirque" appeared in the 70s and looked to innovate what a circus could be. -
Cirque du solei
The "Circus of the Sun" started in Quebec in 1984 and came as a product of the "Nouveau cirque" movement along other new proposals like; Circus Oz, formed in Australia in 1978, Pickle Family Circus, formed in San Francisco in 1975.