The Secret History Of The Court Of Justinian

The Secret History of the Court of Justinian is a historical account likely written in the 6th century providing a revealing and scandalous examination of the reign of Emperor Justinian I and his wife Theodora as well as the intrigue surrounding the Byzantine court. This work delves into the political machinations and personal scandals that defined this era offering a critical perspective on the events and figures that shaped the empire. The author having served under Justinian’s general offers a first-hand account of the tumultuous period. At the outset the text introduces the author’s dual role as both a historian of the empire's wars and triumphs as well as a whistleblower intending to expose the hidden corruptions within the court. The narrative paints key figures like the emperor and empress in a harsh light revealing them as inept and manipulative respectively. The text critiques the ambitious treacherous dynamics of the imperial household setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the corruption and deceit that ran through the highest echelons of power.