The Secret History is a historical and political book written by Procopius of Caesarea, a Byzantine historian and scholar in the 6th century. The book is a scathing critique of the rule of Emperor Justinian I and his wife Empress Theodora, who are depicted as corrupt and cruel rulers who manipulated the court and the people of the Byzantine Empire for their own gain.The Secret History covers a wide range of topics, including the wars and military campaigns of Justinian, the construction of monumental buildings such as the Hagia Sophia, and the political intrigues and scandals of the court. Procopius also exposes the personal lives of the emperor and empress, revealing their sexual exploits and immoral behavior.The book is notable for its frank and graphic descriptions of violence, sex, and political corruption, which were considered scandalous and controversial at the time of its publication. It is also a valuable historical document that provides insight into the inner workings of the Byzantine court and the political and social climate of the era.Overall, The Secret History is a fascinating and provocative work that sheds light on a turbulent and complex period of history, and continues to be studied and debated by scholars and historians to this day.So Justinian and Theodora ascended the imperial throne three days before Easter, a time, indeed, when even making visits or greeting one's friends is forbidden. And not many days later Justin died of an illness, after a reign of nine years. Justinian was now sole monarch, together, of course, with Theodora.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

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Bibliographic Details

Title: The Secret History
Publisher: Penguin Books, Limited
Publication Date: 1982
Language: English
ISBN 10: 0140441824
ISBN 13: 9780140441826
Binding: Paperback
Condition: In good condition

About this title

Synopsis

A trusted member of the Byzantine establishment, Procopius was the Empire's official chronicler, and his History of the Wars of Justinian proclaimed the strength and wisdom of the Emperor's reign. Yet all the while the dutiful scribe was working on a very different - and dangerous - history to be published only once its author was safely in his grave. The Secret History portrays the 'great lawgiver' Justinian as a rampant king of corruption and tyranny, the Empress Theodora as a sorceress and whore, and the brilliant general Belisarius as the pliable dupe of his scheming wife Antonina. Magnificently hyperbolic and highly opinionated, The Secret History is a work of explosive energy, depicting holy Byzantium as a hell of murder and misrule.

About the Author

Very little is known about Procopius. He was born in Palestine around AD 500 and fought for the Byzantine Empire in Persia, Africa and Italy.
G.A. Williamson has translated Eusebius and Josephus for the Penguin Classics.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

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