Who created the first circus?

Imagine clowns tossing bowling pins, elephants marching in grand attire, riders balancing on speeding horses, and acrobats soaring above. Is there anything more thrilling than a circus, particularly one that embraces extravagance?

"Why settle for something small when you can go big?" remarked P.T. Barnum, one of America's pioneering circus owners, capturing the essence of the spectacle. But how did the circus originate, and what led to the grand three-ring shows we adore today?

Philip Astley, a former cavalry Sergeant Major in the French and Indian War, is largely credited with the circus's creation. After returning to London in 1768 and finding limited job opportunities, Astley started giving riding lessons and showcasing horse tricks. His reputation grew, attracting larger crowds, which led him to charge admission, build seating, and host regular performances.

Astley performed by riding—and sometimes standing—on horses that walked, trotted, or cantered in a circular ring he called a "circus." This circular design served two purposes: it allowed audiences to see the show from every angle, which a straight line couldn't provide, and it utilized centrifugal force to help Astley maintain balance during his horseback stunts.

Two years into his trick riding shows, Astley diversified by hiring acrobats, clowns, and jugglers to join his performances. This innovation gained immense popularity, leading Astley to introduce this new entertainment form, the circus, in Paris in 1782 [sources: Jando, Gibbon].

While Astley's troupe is often credited as the first circus, it likely wasn't the absolute pioneer. He encountered similar acts in France, but his promotional skills distinguished him, inspired competitors, and ultimately birthed a new entertainment genre—the traveling circus—which by the late 1800s had reached the burgeoning United States.

As circuses evolve, they adapt to modern concerns. Issues surrounding exotic animal welfare have led some performers to focus on domesticated animals, while others, like Cirque de Soleil, have eliminated animals altogether [source: PBS]. Regardless of a circus's approach, one thing remains clear: innovative, bold, and artistic performances will continue to captivate audiences for generations.