# How Theodora Tricked the General’s Daughter Into a Liaison with the Empress’s Nephew, and Belisarius Became a Public Laughing Stock explained — The Secret History

> Chapter companion for The Secret History by Procopius.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/chapters/v-how-theodora-tricked-the-general-s-daughter-into-a-liaison-with-the-empress-s-nephew-and-belisarius-became-a-public-laughing-stock
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/chapters