Amusement Quote by Edward Gibbon
“The love of spectacles was the taste, or rather passion, of the Syrians: the most skilful artists were procured form the adjacent cities; a considerable share of the revenue was devoted to the public amusements; and the magnificence of the games of the theatre and circus was considered as the happiness, and as the glory, of Antioch.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 1776
The passage describes how Antioch’s citizens valued public spectacles, spending heavily on theatre and circus as a source of civic pride and happiness.
In simple terms: Antioch spent a lot on public shows for pride and joy.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how entertainment can shape cultural identity.
Themes
culture
public life
entertainment
civic pride
economics
Mood
reflective
analytical
historical
Type
observational
contextual.
When to use this quote
- city planning
- festival organization
- tourism development
- budget allocation
- cultural heritage preservation
Key Concepts
spectacle economics
social cohesion
urban identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do modern cities balance entertainment spending with essential services?
- What values are reflected in a community’s public celebrations?
A Different Perspective
The focus on spectacle may divert resources from essential public services.
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