Gaius appuleius diocles biography of william

Roman charioteer

Gaius Appuleius Diocles (104 – after 146 AD) was a Romancharioteer. His existence and career are attested by two highly detailed contemporary inscriptions, used by modern historians to help reconstruct the likely conduct and techniques of chariot racing.

He has been described in some modern sources as the highest-paid athlete of all time.^[1]

Early life and career in Rome

Gaius Appuleius Diocles was born in 104 AD in the Roman province of Lusitania, in the Western Iberian peninsula.

He made his racing debut in Rome at the age of 18, in 122 AD with the racing stable known as the Whites, but did not win a race until two years later.^[2][3]

Diocles usually raced four-horse chariots (quadrigae), probably at Rome's Circus Maximus.^[2] According to David Matz, the "great majority" of his wins were in the singles races, which may have been the most popular race-types both for drivers