Ep 2. Ben-Hur: The Greatest Chariot Race

A Historian Goes to the Movies is back with its second episode of Ancient Rome season 1. This time, the show is delving into the epic 1959 film Ben-Hur, specifically focusing on its iconic chariot race scene.

Host Dr. Robert Garland, a professor of history and classics at Colgate University, is joined by a group of experts including film historians and chariot racing experts to dissect the historical accuracy of the scene and its impact on film history.

The episode begins with a brief overview of the plot of Ben-Hur, which follows the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who is betrayed by his friend Messala and forced into slavery. The climax of the film is the famous chariot race scene, which Dr. Garland calls "one of the most exciting scenes in all of cinema."

To understand the historical context of chariot racing in ancient Rome, Dr. Garland takes viewers on a journey through the Circus Maximus, the largest and most famous chariot racing arena in Rome. As he explains, chariot racing was a hugely popular form of entertainment in ancient Rome, and races at the Circus Maximus could attract as many as 250,000 spectators.

The show then turns to the making of the Ben-Hur chariot race scene. Dr. Garland speaks with film historians about the technical challenges of filming the scene, including the use of miniatures and the most expensive set ever constructed at the time. They also discuss the impact of the scene on subsequent filmmakers, with many citing it as a major influence on their work.

But what about the historical accuracy of the scene? Dr. Garland brings in chariot racing experts to analyze the race and determine whether it could have actually taken place in ancient Rome. They discuss the types of chariots used at the time, the tactics employed by charioteers, and the danger involved in racing.

Overall, A Historian Goes to the Movies: Ancient Rome season 1 episode 2 is an engaging and informative look at one of the most iconic scenes in film history. Through interviews with experts and a deep dive into the historical context, viewers will gain a new appreciation for the chariot race scene in Ben-Hur and its lasting impact on cinema.