Sells Brothers Circus was started by Lewis Sells and Peter Sells in the United States. It ran from 1862 to 1863 and again from 1871 to 1895. In self promotion it reads, " Just returned from Australia Roman Hippodrome 3 ring circus two elevated stages, 5 continent menagerie imperial Japanese troupe combined with Hassan Ben Ali''s Moorish Caravan Arabian nights'' entertainment and spectacular pilgrimage to Mecca 20 years before the public the Supreme Test of Merit is success orientally splendid and weirdly romantic spectacular pilgrimage to Mecca. Introducing The Only Berber and Bedouin Caravan of Moorish Barbarians and Warriors." The unusual customs of tribes of the middle east were perfect for traveling circus shows as most people never left their own towns or were even literate at the time.