Ecclesiastical writer in the second and third centuries, born probably about 160 at Carthage, being the son of a centurion in the proconsular service. He was evidently by profession an advocate in the law-courts, and he shows a close acquaintance with the procedure and terms of Roman law, though it is doubtful whether he is to be identified with a jurist Tertullian who is cited in the Pandects. He knew Greek as well as Latin, and wrote works in Greek which have not come down to us. A pagan until middle life, he had shared the pagan prejudices against Christianity, and had indulged like others in shameful pleasures. His conversion was not later than the year 197, and may have been earlier. He embraced the Faith with all the ardour of his impetuous nature. He became a priest, no doubt of the Church of Carthage.
Tertullian's De Spectaculis, written between 200 and 206, explains and probably exaggerates the impossibility for a Christian to attend any heathen shows, even races or theatrical performances, without either wounding his faith by participation in idolatry or arousing his passions. Ironically, however, it is this text that gives a full explanation of the more popular Roman games and festivals. Moreover, a reading of chapter 12 along with an examination of the Bustum Hadriani as delineated within the 'Ichnographia Campi Martii' provides considerable evidence that Piranesi very likely utilized Tertullian's text as a guide in designing the Bustum Hadriani. Although Piranesi does not list De Spectaculis within the 'Catalogo' of Il Campo Marzio dell' Antica Roma, knowledge of the text is implicit within the layout of circuses and funerary buildings of the Bustum Hadriani. Again, the Christian elements of the 'Ichnographia Campi Martii' is suppressed, while the Pagan elements are clearly expressed.
Tertullian's The Apology is listed within within the 'Catalogo' of Il Campo Marzio dell' Antica Roma, specifically referencing the Colonna Lattaria.
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