Tertullian’s “On shows” in the context of Ancient and Christian literature of the first centuries

The study observes the sources used by Tertullian during the writing of his essay “On the Spectacles” (the end of the 2nd century). This was the time of the domination of the Second Sophistic, where erudition, sophistication in rhetoric and adherence to classical models played a major role. All these elements are noticeable in this treatise. We consider “On the Spectacles” as part of the antique tradition, where it is possible to find a variety of assessments of competitions and performances. The study provides an outline of the critical remarks about the spectacles contained in the works of Greek and Roman authors, Rabbinic sages and Christian writers. Tertullian noted that he had used the material of the historians Timaeus, Calpurnius Piso, Varro and Suetonius. He mainly relied on the last two. In “On the Spectacles” one can also find parallels with the writings of Seneca and Pliny the Younger. Speaking of the Christian tradition, it is necessary to single out Tatian. Both of these authors pay special attention to the dedication of games to pagan gods, point out the moral insufficiency of performances and their participants, and resent gladiatorial games. We suppose that Tertullian was familiar with “Paedagogus”, written at the same time by Clement of Alexandria, partly agreeing with his arguments, partly challenging them, as in the case of the usefulness of the adversarial principle for Christians. Although some passages of “On the Spectacles” have similarities with Judaic writings, we assess their impact on Tertullian as improbable. The analysis of the used sources makes it possible to determine the circle of readers of this treatise as mostly wealthy and well-educated bearers of Roman culture, who knew both Latin and Greek. Despite being baptized, these people were in no hurry to give up their usual way of life. Tertullian struggled with this, to some extent resembling a Christian sophist.