Ben-Hur, Part 5, Chapter 13 summary
Part 5, Chapter 13 of 88 · Book 1 · 11 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 13, Simonides and his companions settle into the Circus as preparations and wagers heighten excitement before the chariot race. Messala gains the inside position at the start, a collision brings down Cleanthes, and Ben-Hur emerges unharmed beside Messala at the head of the remaining racers.
What happens
- During the recess, Simonides arrives with Ilderim, Balthasar, Iras, and Esther, and the crowd recognizes the merchant.
- Iras praises Messala, while Esther anxiously watches for Ben-Hur and Sanballat brings Simonides a written wager.
- Attendants arrange lap counters, and the six teams rush from their stalls toward the starting rope.
- The rope drops just in time, and Messala takes the inside position while his axle strikes an Athenian horse.
- Another collision throws Cleanthes beneath his horses, while Sanballat places a fresh wager on Ben-Hur.
- Esther sees Ben-Hur racing unharmed beside Messala, ahead of the other three surviving competitors.
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