# XXVIII: His Violation of the Laws of the Romans, and How Jews Were Fined for Eating Lamb explained — The Secret History

> Chapter companion for The Secret History by Procopius.

## What happens

Justinian abolishes the statute of limitations for the church to enable a fraudulent scheme against wealthy citizens of Emesa, orchestrated by the forger Priscus and church officials, and later suppresses Jewish Passover traditions, fining those who eat lamb.

## Themes in this chapter

### Corruption and Tyranny

Justinian uses his legislative power to enable a fraudulent scheme against innocent citizens for monetary gain.

### Injustice and Lawlessness

The statute of limitations is abolished retroactively to convict citizens based on forged documents.

### Abuse of Power

The emperor imposes religious restrictions on Jews and fines them for observing their own traditions.

## Character check-ins

### Justinian

Emperor who abolishes the statute of limitations for the church and suppresses Jewish Passover customs.

### Priscus

Skilful forger who fabricates documents to extort money from wealthy citizens of Emesa.

### Mammian

Deceased patrician whose estate is used as the basis for the fraudulent claims.

### Longinus

Enforcer sent to Emesa who slaps Priscus, inadvertently halting the fraudulent suits.

## Key lines

> He took the money, and without scruple published a new law, to the effect that the statute of limitations did not apply to the church, but claims connected with that institution might be brought at any time within a hundred years.

Justinian accepted bribes and issued a law exempting the church from the statute of limitations, allowing claims up to a hundred years old.

_Illustrates Justinian's willingness to corrupt Roman law for personal profit._

> For whenever in their calendar Passover came before the Christian Easter, he forbade the Jews to celebrate it on their proper day, to make then any sacrifices to God or perform any of their customs.

Whenever the Jewish Passover fell before Christian Easter, Justinian prohibited Jews from observing their own festival and customs.

_Demonstrates the emperor's interference in Jewish religious practices._

## Links

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