Hippodrome: meaning, definitions and examples
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hippodrome
[ ˈhɪpəˌdroʊm ]
historical venue
A hippodrome is a type of stadium that was originally used for horse racing and chariot racing in ancient Greece and Rome. The term derives from the Greek words 'hippos,' meaning horse, and 'dromos,' meaning course or track. In modern contexts, the term can also refer to theaters or large public venues primarily designed for various exhibitions or performances. Hippodromes were important social and cultural hubs in ancient cities, drawing large crowds to enjoy the spectacle of races and games.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The hippodrome hosted numerous chariot races during the ancient Roman Empire.
- Visitors to the city often take a tour of the historic hippodrome.
- The remnants of the ancient hippodrome can still be seen today.
Translations
Translations of the word "hippodrome" in other languages:
🇵🇹 hipódromo
🇮🇳 हिप्पोड्रोम
🇩🇪 Hippodrom
🇮🇩 hipodrom
🇺🇦 іпподром
🇵🇱 hipodrom
🇯🇵 ヒッポドローム
🇫🇷 hippodrome
🇪🇸 hipódromo
🇹🇷 hipodrom
🇰🇷 경마장
🇸🇦 مضمار الخيل
🇨🇿 hipodrom
🇸🇰 hipodrom
🇨🇳 马场
🇸🇮 hipodrom
🇮🇸 hestaleikvangur
🇰🇿 ипподром
🇬🇪 ჰიპოდრომი
🇦🇿 hipodrom
🇲🇽 hipódromo
Etymology
The word 'hippodrome' comes from the ancient Greek language, specifically from 'hippos' (ἵππος), meaning 'horse,' and 'dromos' (δρόμος), meaning 'running' or 'course.' It was primarily used to describe venues specifically designed for horse racing during classical antiquity. The concept of the hippodrome dates back to ancient Greece, where it was a significant part of the cultural and social landscape, each city-state hosting its own version for public entertainment and celebration. Later, during the Roman Empire, the hippodrome evolved to accommodate not only horse racing but also chariot races, which became immensely popular spectacles. As societies progressed through the Middle Ages into the Renaissance, the term remained in use but adapted to describe various forms of entertainment venues beyond just racing, becoming synonymous with theaters and performance spaces. Each iteration of the hippodrome has retained echoes of its ancient heritage, maintaining a connection to its roots in equestrian sports and public gatherings.