# XV: How an Roman Citizens Became Slaves, and a Complaining Patrician Was Ribaldly Mocked by Theodora’s Eunuchs explained — The Secret History

> Chapter companion for The Secret History by Procopius.

## What happens

The chapter details Theodora's unyielding cruelty and her absolute control over the Roman court, contrasting her harshness with Justinian's false geniality. It describes how she manipulated justice, destroyed enemies, and mocked a patrician who came to her for help, turning his plea into a theatrical jest with her eunuchs. The chapter also highlights the corruption and servility that pervaded Roman society under their rule.

## Themes in this chapter

### Corruption and Tyranny

Theodora and Justinian's joint rule is characterized by arbitrary justice, confiscation of property, and the subjugation of even high-ranking citizens.

### Hypocrisy and Deception

Justinian's false geniality and Theodora's harshness are both forms of deceit; they are described as 'liars of the first water.'

### Abuse of Power

Theodora uses her position to destroy enemies, fabricate charges, and mock a patrician seeking justice, turning state matters into a jest.

## Character check-ins

### Theodora

Depicted as inhuman, vengeful, and tyrannical; she mocks a patrician and controls the court with cruelty.

### Justinian

Described as calm but deceitful, entrusting business to Theodora and sharing her avarice and bloodthirstiness.

### Procopius

The narrator, who refrains from naming the patrician to avoid eternal ridicule.

## Key lines

> For her spirit was over ready to be kindled to the destruction of men, while cure for her fever there was none.

Her temper flared easily, leading to the ruin of many, and nothing could calm her rage.

_Describes Theodora's relentless and unforgiving nature._

> Not civility, but servility was now the rule, and Theodora was the slave driver.

The court was governed by subservience rather than politeness, with Theodora acting as the enforcer.

_Highlights the degradation of Roman society under Theodora's rule._

> Highness, it is hard for a patrician to ask for money. For what in other men brings sympathy and pity, in one of my rank is considered disgraceful.

Your Majesty, it is shameful for a patrician to beg for money, as it brings disgrace rather than sympathy.

_The patrician's plea reveals the social stigma attached to poverty among the elite._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/chapters/xv-how-an-roman-citizens-became-slaves-and-a-complaining-patrician-was-ribaldly-mocked-by-theodora-s-eunuchs
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/chapters