The history of the circus dates back to ancient times, with early forms of entertainment seen in Roman and Greek cultures. These performances included acrobatics, animal acts, and theatrical displays, often held in large arenas. The modern circus began in the late 18th century, when Philip Astley, a former cavalry sergeant, established the first circus in London in 1768, featuring a circular ring for performances. As the circus evolved, it incorporated various acts such as clowns, trapeze artists, and trained animals. The introduction of traveling circuses in the 19th century allowed these spectacles to reach wider audiences, leading to the rise of famous circuses like Barnum & Bailey and Ringling Bros.