Oct07
Rome's Mayor Makes Chariot-able Decision
Posted at 03:06 PM | Permalink
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I don't know much Italian, besides this, but even I can figure out that "Vadis al Maximo" means "something something maximum." After reading about the historical society's push to revive chariot races at the crumbling Circus Maximus in Rome, I'm thinking that the translation is "Horse Abuses Maximum."
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Fortunately for us (and horses), Rome's chariot races will remain safely tucked away in the annals of history. PETA U.K. fired off an urgent plea to Rome Mayor Gianni Alemanno to nix the notion, explaining that chariot races are stressful to horses and place the animals and spectators at risk. City official Umberto Croppi promptly responded, "I can reassure you by saying that … the city of Rome will not allow the holding of similar events."
We're trying to eliminate abuses in the U.S. horse-racing industry, including whippings, drugging, and slaughter. So a molto "Thanks!" to Rome's mayor for giving Italian stallions a break.
Posted by Karin Bennett
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Since the phrase, "Quo vadis?" is ancient Latin for "Where are you going?" I assume "Vadis al Maximo" means "I am going to the Maximus." Which I'm not, unless the races there are Nascar and not chariot races.
The movie still, by the way, is from Ben Hur, and that really is Charleton Heston in the lead (of course) driving the chariot. One of my husband's relatives was a stunt man in the chariot scene, and according to him, while actor Stephan Boyd used a body double, Charleton Heston trained for and did his own driving.
Posted by: Rev. Meg Schramm | October 7, 2009 05:26 PM
Thanks for the info Rev. Meg. Somehow I am not surprised Heston did his own driving...
Posted by: Kelley | October 7, 2009 07:00 PM
Go Italy !!! x Now the rest of the countries, including mine.. America.. Wake up and implement more laws to protect our animals!!!!
Posted by: carla | October 8, 2009 08:24 AM
Unfortunately I have read that they plan to have this event in 2010,they are trying to use smaller chariots with 2 horses instead of 4.
Posted by: Chris | December 2, 2009 01:21 PM