The Secret History · Chapter
How Theodora Tricked the General’s Daughter Into a Liaison with the Empress’s Nephew, and Belisarius Became a Public Laughing Stock explained
Belisarius returns from his second Italian expedition in disgrace, having plundered allies and lost Rome.
What happens
Belisarius returns from his second Italian expedition in disgrace, having plundered allies and lost Rome. His estrangement from John, nephew of Vitalian, due to Theodora's machinations, further cripples Roman efforts. Theodora forces Belisarius's daughter into a clandestine union with her nephew Anastasius to secure his wealth. After Theodora's death, Antonina breaks the match, causing public scandal. Belisarius's subservience to Antonina and his broken promises make him a laughingstock. The chapter also recounts Sergius's treacherous murder of Levathae ambassadors and Solomon's ingratitude and murder of Pegasius.
Themes in this chapter
Abuse of Power
Theodora forces a young girl into a sexual liaison to secure wealth, and protects Sergius despite his crimes, showing imperial abuse.
Moral Decadence
Belisarius's subservience to Antonina, his broken oaths, and the public mockery highlight moral decay among the elite.
Injustice and Lawlessness
Sergius murders ambassadors under safe conduct, and Solomon kills his rescuer Pegasius, yet both escape justice through imperial favor.
Characters to notice
- Belisarius
Returns from Italy in disgrace, plunders Italians, loses Rome, becomes estranged from John, and is publicly mocked for his subservience to Antonina.
- Theodora
Forces Belisarius's daughter into a liaison with her nephew Anastasius to secure his wealth; also threatens John and protects Sergius from punishment.
- Antonina
After Theodora's death, breaks the forced marriage, causing scandal; dominates Belisarius, making him a laughingstock.
- John the Cappadocian
John, nephew of Vitalian, becomes estranged from Belisarius due to fear of Antonina and Theodora's threats, contributing to Roman collapse in Italy.
- Germanus
Arranges a marriage between his daughter Justina and John, but Theodora opposes it.
- Sergius
Murders eighty Levathae ambassadors after a banquet under pledge of safety, causing loss of Solomon and the Roman army in Libya; protected by Theodora.
- Solomon
Murders Pegasius, who ransomed him, but is pardoned by Justinian; later dies by divine vengeance.
- Pegasius
Ransoms Solomon from the Levathae but is murdered by Solomon in gratitude.
Key passages
“From his second expedition to Italy Belisarius brought back nothing but disgrace: for in the entire five years of the campaign he was unable to set foot on that land”
Belisarius's second Italian campaign was a complete failure; he spent five years unable to land in Italy.
Highlights the futility of the campaign.
“She made the boy and girl live together without any ceremony. And they say she forced the girl against her will to submit to his clandestine embrace”
Theodora compelled Belisarius's daughter to cohabit with her nephew without marriage, forcing her into a secret sexual relationship.
Illustrates Theodora's ruthless manipulation.
“Now was the folly of Belisarius completely revealed.”
Belisarius's foolishness became fully apparent to everyone.
Summarizes the public perception of Belisarius's weakness.
