Ben Hur question re: Circus/chariot race

[Hoggirl]

We just watched this movie with our son. It had been ages since I had seen it, and this is bugging me!! The chariot race takes places in Judea in this movie, right? My feeble attempt at historical research (I probably took 3 minutes on google) shows that, while there might have been a circus in Palestine (I think Caeseria (sp??)), that is wasn't built until later. So, was this just poetic license to have a circus in/near Jerusalem? I had never paid attention to "where" the chariot race was supposedly held. Any film/history buffs that can help me out?
TIA

[Rebecca in TN]

Sorry I can't help you with your history question. I just wanted to say that I love that movie! It is one of my all time favorites. If y'all liked it be sure to get a copy of Focus on the Family's audio drama version of Ben Hur. It is wonderful also. It is especially good for listening while traveling in the car...so life-like.

[kaylk in tx]

wasn't there a part where he was on a galley ship (chained and rowing) and then ended up somewhere else??? in the desert with the guy who had the horses he raced? so i don't think the entire movie took place in judea.... :confused: