What is meant by 'missus' in the context of chariot races?

In the context of chariot races, 'missus' refers to a full race. Chariot racing was a popular spectacle in ancient Rome, often held in large arenas such as the Circus Maximus. Races were typically structured in laps, but the term 'missus' signifies the entirety of the competition, encompassing all the laps completed within a single event. Understanding this term is essential when discussing the intricacies and organization of chariot races, as it provides insight into how these events were viewed and recorded by spectators and officials alike.

The other options do not accurately capture the meaning of 'missus' in this context. For instance, 'exercise grounds' refers more to practice or training areas, while 'single lap' implies just one segment of the race, and 'knucklebone dice' pertains to a game of chance, unrelated to the structure of chariot racing. Each of these alternatives touches on aspects of ancient Roman culture, but they do not convey the complete nature of a race as intended by the term 'missus.'