[362] The information on military matters contained here and in bk. ix was drawn ultimately from the succession of Roman writers on military science. The chief of these were Frontinus, Hyginus, Vegetius. [363] The title, _De Spectaculis_, and much of the material are drawn from Tertullian’s _De Spectaculis_. See M. Klussman, _Excerpta Tertullianea in Isidori Hispalensis Etymologiis_ (Hamburg, 1892). 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] [364] Compare Tertullian, _De Spectaculis_, chs. 6–9. 1. The same heathen have associated the colors worn by the horses with the elements: likening the red to the sun, that is, to fire; the white to air; the green to earth; the blue to the sea. Likewise they wished the red to run in summer because they are of a fiery color and all things are of a golden hue at that time; the white in winter because it is icy and everything is white; the green during the verdure of spring, because then the vine leaves are thickening. 2. They also consecrated the red to Mars from whom the Romans are sprung, because the Roman standards are adorned with scarlet or because Mars delights in blood. The white [they consecrated] to western breezes and fine weather, the green to flowers and earth, the blue to the sea or air because they are of a caerulean color, the golden or saffron to fire and the sun, and the purple to Iris, which we call the bow, because Iris has many colors. 3. And so while under this pretence they pollute themselves with the gods and the elements of this world, they are known to be certainly worshiping the same gods and elements. Whence you ought to notice, Christian, how many unclean gods they have around. Therefore the place which many spirits of Satan have seized shall be alien to you. For all that place the devil and his angels have filled. Chapter 45. On tragedians. 1. Tragedians are they who sang in mournful verse the ancient deeds and crimes of guilty kings, while the people looked on. Chapter 46. On comedians.