The ancient sport of chariot racing is to be revived in Rome in the fall of 2009, the organizers of the races announced on Tuesday.

Chariot races were very popular in ancient Rome and were featured in the original Olympic Games. A chariot race was first described by Homer in his Iliad.

"The races will last for three days, starting from October 17, 2009... Chariot racers from around the world are expected to compete," Franco Calo, one of the promoters, said.

He said the races would be held at the Circus Maximus, an ancient chariot racing venue which is now a park.

Chariot racers are, understandably, far and few between, and anyone hoping to participate will have to take lessons before heading for the starting line.