EPISODE · Feb 21, 2026 · 3 MIN
Ben-Hur: The Record-Breaking Epic | The Kids History Podcast Inspired by Billy Joel
from History Ignited · host History Ignited
Billy Joel’s "We Didn't Start the Fire" mentions "Ben-Hur" for a reason—it was the cinematic event of 1959. In this episode of History Ignited, we explore the massive scale of William Wyler’s production, the legendary chariot race that took months to film, and how it became the first movie in history to sweep 11 Academy Awards. Join us as we discuss why this tale of betrayal and redemption resonated so deeply with audiences and why it remains a pillar of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Send us Fan MailAbout History Ignited: History Ignited is the award-winning kids and family history podcast inspired by Billy Joel’s We Didn’t Start the Fire. Each short episode explores the real stories behind the people, events, inventions, and cultural moments that shaped the world from the 1950s through the 1980s. Winner of the 2025 Webby People’s Voice Award for Best Kids & Family Podcast.
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Billy Joel’s "We Didn't Start the Fire" mentions "Ben-Hur" for a reason—it was the cinematic event of 1959. In this episode of History Ignited, we explore the massive scale of William Wyler’s production, the legendary chariot race that took months to film, and how it became the first movie in history to sweep 11 Academy Awards. Join us as we discuss why this tale of betrayal and redemption resonated so deeply with audiences and why it remains a pillar of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Se...
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Ben-Hur: The Record-Breaking Epic | The Kids History Podcast Inspired by Billy Joel
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