Producers working on the remake of the Oscar-winning Ben Hur have been barred from shooting the epic chariot scene at the Circus Maximus . Filmmakers already on location in Rome and the southern city of Matera reportedly made a request to use the ancient stadium immortalised by the film in December . But it was feared the decision to bring hundreds of extras and heavy vehicles into a fragile archaeological site would lead to public outcry . The Circus Maximus ( pictured ) is an ancient site in Rome once used for the empire 's deadly chariot races . Here it is pictured when it hosted the Live 8 concert in 2005 . The Circus Maximus was capable of holding hundreds of thousands of spectators during the chariot races . However , archaeologists said filming at the ancient site would cause 'irreparable damage ' to the famous site . The rent of the ancient ground as a set for two weeks would have netted one million euros for the city ’ s cash-strapped coffers , Corriere della Sera reported . The classic chariot race scene - in which Ben Hur played by Charlton Heston competes against his nemesis Massala - will now be filmed in a purpose-built reproduction arena in Rome ’ s Cinecittà studios . The Circus Maximus was the centre of a row last summer when the Rolling Stones were allowed to use it for a concert . Heritage experts said the decision to allow 65,000 music fans to rampage over the area would cause irreparable damage to a ‘ very fragile ’ site . The millionaire rock band were charged just €8,000 . The original 1959 Ben Hur film saw Charlton Heston filmed at the Circus Maximus in the movie 's epic chariot race finale ( pictured ) The ancient arena has been used for pop concerts in the past with Genesis and Lady Gaga playing there in recent years . Bob Geldof 's Live 8 concert was held there in 2005 . But the site is currently under restoration . Archeologists have continued to discover Roman artefacts including ancient coins , wheels and saucepans as well as the remains of ancient taverns . A spokesman for the Ministry for Cultural Affairs said it was investigating .
Film producers have been barred from filming at the famed Circus Maximus . They hoped to film chariot race scene at the ancient site as per original film . Authorities feared extras and vehicles would cause 'irreparable damage ' It was used for the Ministry for Cultural Affairs and Lady Gaga concerts in recent years . The site was used by ancient Romans to host spectacular chariot races .