The Secret History of Procopius

The Secret History Procopius portrays Justinian and Theodora as tyrannical deceitful and morally corrupt figures revealing their alleged wrongdoings and excesses. The work is filled with accusations of cruelty immorality and corruption at the imperial court and it provides a stark contrast to the more positive image of Justinian found in Procopiuss other writings. The reasons behind Procopiuss decision to write such a damning account in The Secret History remain a subject of scholarly debate. Some historians suggest that the work might have been a private and cathartic release for Procopius allowing him to express his true feelings about the imperial regime without fear of reprisal. Others propose that the work might have been intended for a select audience or written after Procopiuss death.