Circus
|
|
The term circus originates from Latin and can mean several things:
- A public equipped space for shows and other spectacles of the Classical period (e.g., in ancient Rome, the Circus Maximus); the term derives from the circular shape of the first arenas in which, mostly, horse and biga (two-horse chariot) races were run.
- A travelling show that usually includes acrobats, animal trainers, clowns and other novelty acts. See Circus (performing art).
- In town planning, an open space, usually circular, where a number of roads meet, such as Oxford Circus, Cambridge Circus and Piccadilly Circus in London, or "The Circus" in Bath.
- Circus is a genus of harriers, a type of bird of prey.
It is also the name of several movies:
- Circus - a 2000 crime thriller starring John Hannah
- Circus - a 1936 Soviet classic melodramatic comedy
- The Circus - a 1928 silent film starring Charlie Chaplin
- The Invisible Circus is a 2001 drama film starring Cameron Diaz