Influences Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ

lew wallace, union general, circa 1862–1865

wallace determined make novel historically accurate , did extensive research on middle east related time period covered in novel. however, did not travel rome or holy land until after publication. wallace began research story in 1873 @ library of congress in washington, dc, , made several additional research trips washington, boston, , new york.

to establish authentic background story, wallace gathered references on roman history, geography, culture, language, customs, architecture, , daily life in ancient world libraries across united states. studied bible. wallace intended identify plants, birds, names, architectural practices, , other details. later wrote: examined catalogues of books , maps, , sent useful. wrote chart before eyes—a german publication showing towns , villages, sacred places, heights, depressions, passes, trails, , distances. wallace recounted traveling boston , washington, dc, research exact proportions oars of roman trireme. wallace found estimations accurate in mid-1880s, during visit holy land after ben-hur published, , find no reason making single change in text of book.

an example of wallace s attention detail description of fictional chariot race , setting @ arena in antioch. using literary style addressed audience directly, wallace wrote:

let reader try fancy it; let him first down on arena, , see glistening in frame of dull-gray granite walls; let him then, in perfect field, see chariots, light of wheel, graceful, , ornate paint , burnishing can make them ... let reader see accompanying shadows fly; and, such distinctness picture comes, may share satisfaction , deeper pleasure of whom thrilling fact, not feeble fancy.