ON WAR AND AMUSEMENTS
ANALYSIS
| I. | War[362] (chs. 1–14). | |
| 1. | Kinds of war (ch. 1). | |
| 2. | Triumphs (ch. 2). | |
| 3. | Standards (ch. 3). | |
| 4. | Trumpets (ch 4). | |
| 5. | Armor (chs. 5–14). | |
| a. Swords (ch. 6). | ||
| b. Spears (ch. 7). | ||
| c. Arrows (ch. 8). | ||
| d. Quivers (ch. 9). | ||
| e. Slings (ch. 10). | ||
| f. The battering ram (ch. 11). | ||
| g. Shields (ch. 12). | ||
| h. Coats of mail (ch. 13). | ||
| i. Helmets (ch. 14). | ||
| II. | The law-court (de foro) (ch. 15). | |
| III. | Spectacles[363] (chs. 16–59). | |
| 1. | Gymnastic contests (chs. 17–26). | |
| 2. | The circus (chs. 27–41). | |
| 3. | The theatre (chs. 42–51). | |
| 4. | The amphitheatre (chs. 52–58). | |
| 5. | Condemnation of spectacles (ch. 59). | |
| IV. | Gambling (chs. 60–68). | |
| V. | Ball-playing (ch. 69). | |
EXTRACTS
Chapter 16. On spectacles.
1. Spectacles, as I think, is the general name given to pleasures which defile not of themselves, but through those things that take place there.
3. The origin of the word (ludus) is of no consequence when the origin of the thing is idolatry.... On this account the stain of its origin must be regarded, lest one should regard as good what took its origin in evil.
Chapter 27. On the sports of the circus.
1. The sports of the circus (ludi circenses) were established on account of worship, and because of the honoring of the heathen gods. Whence those who view them seem to be furthering the worship of evil spirits. For horse-racing was in former times practiced by itself, and its ordinary practice at least was no guilt, but when this natural practice was included in the games, it was transferred to the worship of demons.
Chapter 41. On the colors at the races.[364]