The Secret History by Procopius
The work presents a critical and detailed account of the reign of Justinian and Theodora, focusing on their tyrannical rule, corruption, and the resulting societal decay within the Roman Empire. It begins with the background of key figures, particularly Belisarius and his wife Antonina, whose infidelities and manipulations set the stage for the ensuing chaos. The narrative explores Antonina's affair with Theodosius, leading to a series of betrayals, murders, and the eventual downfall of Belisarius, who is portrayed as a tragic figure ensnared by his wife's machinations. The text delves into the political landscape, highlighting the ruthless ambition of Justinian, who is depicted as a tyrant driven by greed and a desire for power. His administration is characterized by the systematic plundering of wealth from both the elite and the common people, facilitated by corrupt officials and a network of informers. The narrative details the various methods employed by Justinian to consolidate power, including the manipulation of laws, the appointment of unscrupulous magistrates, and the exploitation of the populace through excessive taxation and monopolies. The work also addresses the social consequences of Justinian's policies, illustrating the suffering of the lower classes, the erosion of traditional values, and the decline of civic life. The narrative paints a grim picture of a society in turmoil, where fear and oppression reign, and where the Emperor's whims dictate the fate of individuals. Theodora's role as a co-conspirator in this tyranny is emphasized, showcasing her cruelty and ambition as she wields significant influence over her husband and the state. Throughout the text, the author employs vivid anecdotes and examples to illustrate the pervasive corruption and moral decay of the era. The narrative culminates in a broader critique of the imperial couple's legacy, suggesting that their reign marked a turning point in the decline of the Roman Empire, characterized by a loss of integrity, justice, and humanity. The work serves as both a historical account and a moral commentary on the dangers of unchecked power and the consequences of betrayal and ambition.
By Procopius · First published 1623 · Genre: Historical Non-Fiction, Biography, Political Commentary · 30 chapters · 41,481 words
First lines
The father of Belisarius's wife, a lady whom I have mentioned in my former books, was (and so was her grandfather) a charioteer, exhibiting that trade in Constantinople and Thessalonica. Her mother was one of the wenches of the theater; and she herself from the first led an utterly wanton life. Acquainted with magic drugs used by her parents before her, she learned how to use those of compelling qualities and became the wedded wife of Belisarius, after having already borne many children.
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The Secret History is listed on Textopian as a historical account by Procopius, dated 1623 CE.
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- Work type: Historical account
- Author: Procopius
- Date: 1623 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Non-Fiction, Biography, Political Commentary, Philosophical Literature, Literary Criticism
- Length: 41,481 words
- Structure: 30 chapters, 353 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Historical Non-Fiction — The book provides a detailed account of historical events and figures, focusing on the Byzantine Empire.
- Biography — It includes biographical elements, detailing the lives and actions of key historical figures.
- Political Commentary — The text offers insights into the political dynamics and intrigues of the time.
- Philosophical Literature — It explores themes of morality, power, and human nature.
Tags
Ancient Greek · Classical Literature · Historical Fiction · Philosophy · Mystery · Thriller · Coming of Age · Dark Academia · Gothic · Psychological Thriller · Murder Mystery · Greek History
Contents
- How the Great General Belisarius was Hoodwinked by his Wife, Whose Lover Became a Monk
- How Belated Jealousy Affected Belisarius's Military Judgment, to the Joy of the Enemy
- Showing the Danger of Interfering with a Woman's Intrigues, Especially when the Woman is the Friend of an Empress
- How Theodora, Revenging her Dear Antonina, Humiliated the Conqueror of Africa and Italy
- How Theodora Tricked the General's Daughter into a Liaison with the Empress's Nephew, and Belisarius Became a Public Laughing Stock
- Ignorance of the Emperor Justin, and his Stencilled Signature, and how his Nephew Justinian was the Virtual Ruler
- Outrages of the Blues
- Character and Appearance of Justinian
- And how Theodora, most Depraved of all Courtesans, won his Love
- How Justinian Created a New Law Permitting him to Marry a Courtesan on her Promise to Repent her Past; and the Truth about the Apparent Quarrels of a Happy Pair
- How the Defender of the Faith Ruined his Subjects
- Proving that Justinian and Theodora were Actually Fiends in Human Form
- Deceptive Affability and Piety of a Tyrant
- Justice for Sale
- How an Roman Citizens Became Slaves, and a Complaining Patrician was Ribaldly Mocked by Theodora's Eunuchs
- What Happened to those who Fell out of Favor with Theodora
- How she Saved Five Hundred Harlots from a Life of Sin, Made Away with her own Natural Son, and other Curious Incidents of her Passion for Match Making
- How Justinian Killed a Trillion People
- How he Seized all the Wealth of the Romans and Threw it Away in the Sea and on the Barbarians
- Debasing of the Quaestorship
- The Sky Tax, the Selling of all Offices, and how Border Armies were Forbidden to Punish Invading Barbarians
- Further Corruption in High Places
- How Landowners were Ruined
- Unjust Treatment of the Soldiers, and how Justinian Tricked the "Students" out of their Pay by Threatening to Send them to War
- How he Robbed his own Officials, Merchants, Sailors, Workmen, and Everybody Else
- How he Spoiled the Beauty of the Cities and Plundered the Poor
- How the Defender of the Faith Protected the Interests of the Christians
- His Violation of the Laws of the Romans, and how Jews were Fined for Eating Lamb
- Other Incidents Revealing him as a Liar and a Hypocrite
- Further Innovations of Justinian and Theodora, and a Conclusion which Imagines the Death of an Emperor