Travis Scott's performance this week in Rome at the ancient Circus Maximus monument caused hundreds of locals to call emergency numbers about an earthquake. Italian seismologist Giovanni Diaferia calculated that the force created by fans jumping up and down was roughly equivalent to a 1.3 magnitude earthquake. That kind of shaking could be a danger to Rome's many ancient structures.
Alfonsina Russo, director of the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum, warned against hosting any future concerts at Circus Maximus, a historic venue where ancient Romans once raced chariots. “The Circus Maximus is a monument. It is not a stadium, nor a concert hall. These mega rock concerts put it at risk,” Russo explained. “Rock concerts should be held in stadiums so as not to endanger public safety.” It was also reported that “around 60 people” — from an audience of 60,000 — required medical attention after the show “for eye and throat irritation” after a pepper spray incident.
