Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1925)

Directed by: Fred Niblo

Cast: Ramon Novarro, Francis X. Bushman and May McAvoy

 IMDb page about Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ

Studio(s): Culver Studios

Production began in Italy. 
After a troubled start in June 1924 the lead actor George Walsh was replaced with Ramon Navarro and the director was replaced with Fred Niblo. 
Work continued in Rome. 

However, problems with the sea battle shoot caused the whole production to return to Los Angeles.

The chariot race was shot on an empty lot at the corner of Venice and La Cienega. A total of 42 cameras were used on the shoot, along with thousands of extras, and many notables from other Hollywood studios.