Ever wonder why the circus is often referred to as the “Big Top”? What does this term have to do with a circus? Let’s find out from our friends at Wonderopolis!
First, Some Circus History
Englishman Philip Astley is considered the father of the modern circus. After learning how to train horses in the Seven Years’ War, he utilized this talent to become a showman following the war.
Later, he combined his horse show with elements of the modern theater and performed in a circular arena. He called this the “circus” because, in Latin, circus means circular. Astley continued adding new acts, such as acrobats and clowns, to the circus to keep the show interesting.
The Traveling Circus
As the circus grew in popularity, new circuses opened in countries like France and the United States. Typically, these circuses had permanent homes in large buildings. However, at that time, the United States didn’t have many cities that were big enough to support a permanent circus building. For this reason, circus owners created the traveling circus.
In 1825, Joshuah Purdy Brown, a circus entrepreneur, became the first to use a large canvas tent instead of a permanent building. As traveling circuses expanded, tent sizes grew to accommodate more rings for different acts. The large tent that housed numerous rings and stages became known as the “The Big Top”. This name stuck and became interchangeable with circus!
The Circus at The Children’s Museum
Be sure to visit our newest exhibit opening on February 18: Circus – Starring YOU! Enter the Big Top and have a blast learning more about the history of the circus and becoming a circus performer yourself!
Looking for more Never Stop Asking "Why?" questions? Catch up on all of the past "Why's" on the blog!
Circus owners brought exotic animals from around the world to join the shows. Some circuses boasted as many as seven rings and stages under the tent. Eventually, the tent became known as “The Big Top.” However, it hasn't all been fun and games for modern circuses.
A big top is a large tent in which a traveling circus takes place. Big Top may also refer to: Big Top (Transformers), a Transformers character. Big Top (American TV series), a children's television series in the 1950s.
Joshuah Purdy was the first to use a large tent for his circus, and he did it in 1825. Thomas Taplin Cooke brought a tent to England in 1838. Because tents were easier to use, they slowly replaced circus buildings, retrofitted buildings, and open spaces.
The circus is of comparatively recent origin, yet certain elements can be traced back to ancient Rome. The great Roman amphitheatres—called circuses after the Latin word for “circle”—were most often devoted to gladiatorial combats, chariot races, the slaughter of animals, mock battles, and other blood sports.
Introduction: My name is Kelle Weber, I am a magnificent, enchanting, fair, joyous, light, determined, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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