"Ben Hur" is a historical novel written by Lew Wallace in 1880. The story follows Judah Ben Hur, a Jewish prince in ancient Jerusalem who is betrayed by his childhood friend, Messala, a Roman officer. After being falsely accused of treason, Ben Hur endures years of hardship and seeks revenge while also exploring themes of faith and redemption. The novel was adapted into several films, with the most famous version released in 1959, starring Charlton Heston. The film is renowned for its spectacular chariot race scene and won 11 Academy Awards, a record at the time. "Ben Hur" remains a significant work in both literature and cinema.