The Secret History of the Court of Justinian

"The Secret History of the Court of Justinian" by Procopius is a historical exposé that pulls back the curtain on the reign of Emperor Justinian I and his wife, Theodora, giving readers a scandalous glimpse into the Byzantine court during the 6th century. Written from the critical perspective of Procopius, a historian who served under Justinian's general Belisarius, the book reveals the political power plays and personal wrongdoings within the court. The story begins by introducing the author's purpose: to expose the hidden corruptions and atrocities committed by the empire's leaders, contrasting with his previous writings on the empire's wars and victories. Justinian is portrayed as a clueless tyrant, and Theodora as a manipulative mastermind, alongside other important figures like Belisarius and his wife Antonina, all caught in a complicated game of deceit. The narrative blends personal accounts with a biting critique of the political state, suggesting the turmoil that arises from ambition, desire, and betrayal within the imperial family.