The Secret History is a historical book written by Procopius of Caesarea, a Byzantine historian and scholar who lived in the 6th century AD. The book was written in Greek and was not intended for public consumption, as it contains scandalous and provocative information about the reign of Emperor Justinian I and his court.In the book, Procopius reveals the true character of Justinian I and his wife, Empress Theodora, as well as other members of the imperial court. He describes their excesses, corruption, and cruelty, painting a picture of a ruling class that was far from virtuous or just.The Secret History covers a wide range of topics, including the wars and conquests of Justinian I, the building of the Hagia Sophia, and the suppression of the Nika riots. It also delves into the personal lives of the emperor and empress, including their sexual exploits and their mistreatment of their subjects.Despite its scandalous content, The Secret History is considered an important historical document, providing valuable insights into the Byzantine Empire and the personalities of its rulers. It is also notable for its literary style, which is characterized by vivid descriptions, biting satire, and a sharp wit.Overall, The Secret History is a fascinating and controversial book that sheds light on a little-known aspect of Byzantine history. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the politics and culture of the ancient world.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.
