Charlton Heston was hard at work preparing for his legendary role in Ben-Hur, practicing his chariot-riding skills in Rome. He was training for the film’s famous chariot race, one of the most spectacular scenes ever captured on screen.
The intense sequence was filmed at Cinecittà Studios on a massive 18-acre arena, which was the largest movie set of its time. To create the track, large quantities of white sand were imported from Mexico. The surface had to be both sturdy enough to support the chariots and smooth enough to protect the horses, who would be running across it repeatedly during training and filming.
A total of 18 Roman-style chariots were built for the production, with Heston and his co-star Stephen Boyd each receiving half. Both actors underwent rigorous training to master chariot driving. Heston, already an experienced horseback rider, adapted quickly, while Boyd, who had no prior experience with horses, faced a steeper learning curve.
Despite the risks involved, both actors insisted on performing their own chariot scenes, leaving only the most dangerous stunts to their doubles. Their dedication helped bring to life one of the most unforgettable moments in cinematic history.
Below are some amazing behind the scenes photos from the filming of chariot race for Ben-Hur:
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A great actor and a great movie.
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