The Secret History · Chapter
Foreword by the Historian explained
Procopius explains his shift from a formal chronicle of Roman wars to a secret history revealing the true, often scandalous, deeds of Justinian, Theodora, and Belisarius.
What happens
Procopius explains his shift from a formal chronicle of Roman wars to a secret history revealing the true, often scandalous, deeds of Justinian, Theodora, and Belisarius. He justifies his earlier omissions due to fear of spies and death, and now feels compelled to disclose the hidden motives and actions, hoping both to warn future generations and to show that tyrants face retribution.
Themes in this chapter
Historical Truth vs. Propaganda
Procopius contrasts his earlier public chronicle with this secret history, emphasizing the need to reveal what really happened behind the official narrative.
Corruption and Tyranny
The foreword sets up the exposure of Justinian and Theodora's depravity, warning future generations about the dangers of tyrannical rule.
Hypocrisy and Deception
Procopius admits he had to hide the truth in his earlier works due to fear, highlighting the deception required to survive under a tyrannical regime.
Characters to notice
- Procopius
The historian and narrator, who explains his decision to write a secret history revealing the truth about the reign.
- Justinian
One of the central figures whose depravity Procopius intends to expose.
- Theodora
Along with Justinian, her depravity is a key subject of the secret history.
- Belisarius
Procopius begins by revealing the folly of Belisarius as part of his disclosure.
Key passages
“In what I have written on the Roman wars up to the present point, the story was arranged in chronological order and as completely as the times then permitted.”
My earlier account of the Roman wars was organized by date and as thorough as the circumstances allowed.
Procopius distinguishes his previous public history from the secret history he now begins.
“It was not possible, during the life of certain persons, to write the truth of what they did, as a historian should.”
While certain powerful people were still alive, I could not honestly record their actions as a historian ought to.
Procopius explains his earlier self-censorship due to fear of reprisal.
“I fear they may think me a writer of fiction, and even put me among the poets.”
I worry that future readers will consider my stories invented and classify me as a poet rather than a historian.
Procopius acknowledges the unbelievable nature of the truths he is about to reveal.
“For the men of today, who know best the truth of these matters, will be trustworthy witnesses to posterity of the accuracy of my evidence.”
Contemporary readers who are familiar with the facts will vouch for my account to future generations.
Procopius appeals to living witnesses to support his credibility.
“I wondered if it might be prejudicial to future generations, and the wickedness of these deeds had not best remain unknown to later times: lest future tyrants, hearing, might emulate them.”
I hesitated, thinking that revealing such evil might harm future ages by inspiring later tyrants to imitate these crimes.
Procopius debates the moral implications of publishing his secret history.
“First I shall reveal the folly of Belisarius, and then the depravity of Justinian and Theodora.”
I will begin by exposing Belisarius's foolishness, followed by the wickedness of Justinian and Theodora.
Procopius outlines the structure of his secret history.
