The names of the competitors were given, with their several nationalities and schools of training, the trials in which they had been engaged, the prizes won, and the prizes now offered; under the latter head the sums of money were stated in illuminated letters, telling of the departure of the day when the simple chaplet of pine or laurel was fully enough for the victor, hungering for glory as something better than riches, and content with it.
Over these parts of the programme Ben-Hur sped with rapid eyes.
At last he came to the announcement of the race.

He read it slowly.

Attending lovers of the heroic sports were assured they would certainly be gratified by an Orestean struggle unparalleled in Antioch.

The city offered the spectacle in honor of the consul.

One hundred thousand sestertii and a crown of laurel were the prizes.