# XVI: What Happened to Those Who Fell Out of Favor with Theodora explained — The Secret History

> Chapter companion for The Secret History by Procopius.

## What happens

This chapter details Theodora's ruthless methods of dealing with those who offended her, including the murder of Queen Amalasuntha, the forced ordination of Priscus, the disappearance of Areobindus, and the torture and execution of Basanius. It also recounts the failed prosecution of Diogenes, where public outcry and judicial integrity thwarted her efforts.

## Themes in this chapter

### Abuse of Power

Theodora uses her influence to order murders, torture, and confiscations without trial, demonstrating unchecked imperial authority.

### Injustice and Lawlessness

Victims like Basanius are executed without trial, while Diogenes is acquitted only through public judicial process, highlighting the arbitrary nature of justice.

### Hypocrisy and Deception

Justinian pretends ignorance of Priscus's fate while benefiting from his property, and Theodora uses false charges of pederasty to destroy her enemies.

## Character check-ins

### Theodora

The Empress who orchestrates the murder of Amalasuntha, forces Priscus into priesthood, tortures and kills Basanius, and attempts to destroy Diogenes.

### Justinian

Emperor who is persuaded by Theodora to send Peter to Italy and later pretends ignorance of Priscus's fate while seizing his property.

### Amalasuntha

Queen of the Goths who is murdered on Theodora's orders after surrendering her kingdom.

### Peter Barsyames

Sent as ambassador to Italy, he persuades Theodatus to kill Amalasuntha and is rewarded with the rank of Master of Offices.

### Priscus

Secretary to Justinian who is forcibly ordained as a priest by Theodora and his property confiscated.

### Diogenes

A member of the Greens who is accused of homosexuality by Theodora but acquitted after a public trial.

## Key lines

> When Amasalontha decided to save her life by surrendering her queendom over the Goths and retiring to Constantinople... Theodora, reflecting that the lady was wellborn and a Queen, more than easy to look at and a marvel at planning intrigues, became suspicious of her charms and audacity: and fearing her husband's fickleness, she became not a little jealous, and determined to ensnare the lady to her doom.

When Amalasuntha gave up her Gothic kingdom and moved to Constantinople to save herself, Theodora grew jealous of her beauty and cleverness, worried that Justinian might be tempted, and decided to have her killed.

_Theodora's jealousy and fear of Justinian's infidelity lead to the murder of a queen._

> Thus, when this female was enraged, no church offered sanctuary, no law gave protection, no intercession of the people brought mercy to her victim; nor could anything else in the world stop her.

When Theodora was angry, nothing—not churches, laws, or public pleas—could save her victims.

_Summary of Theodora's absolute power and the futility of resistance._

## Links

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