The Secret History of the Court of Justinian

The Secret History of the Court of Justinian PDF

Author: Procopius

Publisher: Book Jungle

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 112

ISBN-13: 9781438517544

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Procopius of Caesarea (c. 500-c. 565) was a prominent Eastern Roman scholar of the family Procopius. He is commonly held to be the last major ancient historian. The writings of Procopius are the primary source of information for the rule of the Roman emperor Justinian. He was the author of a history in eight books of the wars fought by Justinian I, a panegyric on Justinian's public works throughout the empire, and a book known as The Secret History of the Court of Justinian that claims to report the scandals that Procopius could not include in his published history. Although it is not as famous as The Secret History of the Court of Justinian, Procopius' History of the Wars is clearly his most important work. The first seven books, which were published as a unit, seem to have been largely completed by 545, but were updated to mid-century before publication, for the latest event mentioned belongs to early 551. Later, Procopius added an eighth book which brings the history to 552/553, when a Roman army led by the eunuch Narses finally destroyed the Ostrogothic kingdom.

The Secret History

The Secret History PDF

Author: Prokopios

Publisher: Hackett Publishing

Published: 2010-03-15

Total Pages: 277

ISBN-13: 1603843000

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By exposing the perversion, repression, corruption, and injustice at the heart of Justinian's regime, Prokopios' The Secret History destroyed forever that emperor's reputation as the great and benevolent ruler of a vast Byzantine state. Faithfully rendered here in blunt and idiomatic English, Prokopios' tell-all is as shocking today as it was in the sixth century. Kaldellis' substantial Introduction addresses, among other topics, the historical background to The Secret History; Prokopios' literary style and major themes; and the relationships between Prokopios, Justinian, and Empress Theodora. Maps, genealogies, a glossary, and a selection of related texts (including excerpts from Prokopios' Wars and Buildings and several contemporary documents) enhance and support the reading of this scandalous and suspenseful book.