The Origin of Circuses: From Historical Myths to Astley's Revolution
Introduction to Circus History
Probably the need for jobs helped circumvent its emergence, but it was probably the allure of easy money and the opportunity to draw crowds with cheap entertainment that fueled its growth. However, what is well-documented is the history of theater, ballet, opera, vaudeville, and movies, whereas serious studies of circus history are sparse and known only to a few enthusiasts and scholars.
Common Misapprehensions and the Reality of Circus History
The public at large tends to know circus history as told over the years by imaginative circus press agents and repeated and often misunderstood by writers of popular fiction, Hollywood screenwriters, and journalists too busy to investigate further. One of the most popular misapprehensions is the idea that the circus dates back to Roman antiquity. What most people don't realize is that the Roman circus was actually the precursor of the modern racetrack. The only common denominator between Roman and modern circuses is the word itself: circus, which means in Latin, just as it does in English.
The Birth of the Modern Circus
The modern circus as we know it was created in England by Philip Astley, who was born in 1742 and died in 1814, a former cavalry Sergeant-Major turned showman. Astley was the son of a cabinet-maker and veneer-cutter and served in the Seven Years War from 1756 to 1763 as part of Colonel Elliott's 15th Light Dragons regiment. There, he displayed a remarkable talent as a horse-breaker and trainer. Upon his discharge, Astley chose to imitate trick-riders who performed successfully all over Europe.
Jacob Bates: A Pioneering Performer
One of the first showmen to make a mark was Jacob Bates, an English equestrian based in the German States who performed as far away as Russia from 1764 to 1765 and in America from 1772 to 1773. Bates' emulators included Price Johnson, Bal, Coningham, Faulkes, and others who followed in his footsteps.
Astley's Revolutionary Circus
In 1768, Astley settled in London and opened a riding-school near Westminster Bridge, where he taught in the morning and performed his circle or circus, which would later be known as the ring.
The circus ring, however, was not Astley's invention. It was devised earlier by other performing trick-riders. Riding in circles in a ring allowed audiences to keep sight of the riders during performances, and it also made it possible to generate centrifugal force to help riders maintain their balance while standing on the back of galloping horses.
The International Standard for Circus Rings
Astley's original ring was about sixty-two feet in diameter. Its size was eventually settled at a diameter of forty-two feet, which has since become the international standard for all circus rings.
Conclusion
The history of the circus, from its roots in ancient times to its current form, is rich with misconceptions and true innovation. It is thanks to figures like Philip Astley that we have the entertainment we know today. Understanding the true origins and history of the circus can help us appreciate the discipline, skill, and artistry that go into each performance.