There’s something magical about stepping back into the age of gladiators and chariot races, even just for a day. The Roman Bigas Challenge is the team building format that turns your colleagues into true engineers and charioteers of Ancient Rome, tasked with designing, building and ultimately racing a working chariot. This is far more than a hands-on activity: it’s a journey that weaves together strategic planning, aesthetic creativity and healthy competition, ending in a result that leaves a lasting impression, both in participants’ memories and in the event photos.
The challenge: from design to the track
Everything starts with splitting into teams. Each group receives the necessary materials and is tasked with designing a Roman chariot that is both sturdy and high-performing. This is where the first level of challenge comes in: figuring out how to distribute roles and skills within the team, deciding who leads the technical design and who takes care of the creative side. It’s not unusual to see improvised engineers working alongside design-oriented colleagues, a mix that sparks constructive dialogue.
Once the structure is defined, it’s time for actual construction: hands-on skill, precision and the ability to adapt to unexpected issues take center stage. Each team must also decorate their chariot with a distinctive banner, an element that strengthens group identity and fuels friendly rivalry with the other teams.
The grand finale: parade or breathtaking race
The most anticipated moment comes at the end: the completed chariots can face off in a design parade, where creativity and attention to detail are rewarded, or in an obstacle race led by a charioteer and their trainers. Either way, the atmosphere fills with cheering, adrenaline and camaraderie: it’s the moment when all the teamwork from the building phase is put to the test in front of everyone.
Why it works as team building
The strength of the Roman Bigas Challenge lies in bringing different skills together toward one shared goal. The design phase requires planning and coordination, the building phase requires patience and problem-solving, and the finale brings the thrill of friendly competition. It’s a format that works particularly well with large groups, since it allows multiple teams to compete simultaneously, each with its own visual identity and strategy.
On top of that, the visual impact of the event — decorated chariots, banners, the final race — makes it perfect for companies looking for a memorable experience, one that generates striking photo and video content while genuinely strengthening team spirit.
How to organize it with us
For 22 years we’ve been helping companies choose and design tailor-made team building experiences, with over 130 original formats across 7 thematic areas. The Roman Bigas Challenge is one of the formats built for those seeking a balanced mix of hands-on work, strategy and pure fun. With offices in Rome and Milan, we’re ready to support you in planning your event, from choosing the venue to managing the day’s logistics.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Roman Bigas Challenge suitable for? It’s designed for large groups looking to combine hands-on work, strategic planning and competition in a visually impactful experience.
Do participants need technical or manual skills? No, the activity is designed to be accessible to everyone: the goal is to spark collaboration and creativity, not to require specific expertise.
What does the grand finale of the event look like? Depending on the choice, it can end with a chariot design parade or an obstacle race led by a charioteer and their trainers.
What are the main goals of this team building activity? Improving shared planning, coordination among colleagues, and creating a memorable team moment through an epic, engaging experience.
If you’d like to find out how the Roman Bigas Challenge can transform your company’s team building day, get in touch with us: together we build teams that work.
To protect participants’ privacy, the images were recreated with AI based on real events.
