# Pontius Pilate — Ben Hur character guide

> Pontius Pilate in Ben Hur by Lew Wallace.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Pilate

**First appearance:** 0081-i

## Who they are

The Roman governor who presides over the trial of Jesus.

## In the story

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/vii)

Not directly present; the chapter is set earlier, during the time of Herod's influence.

### [The Mother's Counsel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/v)

Not present in this chapter.

### [The Circus at Antioch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/xii)

Pontius Pilate is mentioned as the consul who lands from a barge of state, is received by the legion, and sits on the elevated tribunal in the place of honor during the games.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/i)

New procurator who orders a prison inspection, leading to the discovery of forgotten cells; initially removes offensive ensigns from Jerusalem.

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/iii)

New Roman governor; Ben-Hur believes he can be bribed to release his mother and sister if found.

### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/vi)

Mentioned as the authority who allowed the people to carry off their dead and wounded after the conflict.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters/pontius_pilate
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters