Although mentioned for the first time only in 174 BC, the three turning posts or metae (cones) at either end of the spina must have been one of the original features of the Circus. Situated on their own plinths, the three tapered pillars had an egg-shaped finial. They may have been inspired by the markers used by Roman surveyors or derive from Etruscan funerary monuments. The turning points were the most dangerous part of the race, and such an association with the underworld certainly would be appropriate.
Just to the right of the three metae in this terracotta Campana relief, of which there are at least two variants and ten examples, can be seen the hortator or jubilator, a rider on horseback who encouraged the charioteer and presumably served as a guide for the team on the chaotic race course.
Reference: Gladiators and Caesars (2000) edited by Eckart Köhne and Cornelia Ewigleben. The plaque is in the Townley Collection of the British Museum.
