What is the origin of the circus?

The circus can be dated to ancient Egypt. It started with the exhibiting of exotic animals. As armies conquered distant lands, they would bring the animals back to entertain crowds. So the start of the circus went hand-in-glove with empire-building. The term is derived from the ring or circle in which rope-dancers, jugglers and acrobats performed. The displays were supplemented by fireworks, torches and coloured ribbons.