Religious epic film follows the story of Judah Ben-Hur who lives as a rich Jewish prince and merchant in Jerusalem at the beginning of the 1st century. Judah's childhood friend Messala comes back as commander of the Fortress of Antonia. He believes in the glory of Rome and its imperial power, while Judah is devoted to his faith and the freedom of the Jewish people. The difference in their ideas about life causes tension and misunderstanding. During a parade for the new governor of Judea loose tiles fall from the roof of Judah's house. The governor is nearly killed and Messala condemns Judah to the galleys and throws his mother and sister into prison, though he knows it was an accident. Judah swears to come back, and later he regains his freedom and returns for revenge.