The Secret History · Chapter
XXX: Further Innovations of Justinian and Theodora, and a Conclusion Which Imagines the Death of an Emperor explained
This chapter details the tyrannical innovations of Justinian and Theodora, including the degradation of senatorial homage to prostrate foot-kissing, the forced residence of magistrates in the palace, the dismantling of the public courier an
What happens
This chapter details the tyrannical innovations of Justinian and Theodora, including the degradation of senatorial homage to prostrate foot-kissing, the forced residence of magistrates in the palace, the dismantling of the public courier and spy systems, the reduction of military camels, and the arbitrary seizure of a lawyer's village. It concludes with a reflection on the hidden prosperity of the Romans and the anticipated death of Justinian.
Themes in this chapter
Abuse of Power
Justinian and Theodora force prostrate homage, seize private property arbitrarily, and compel magistrates to live in the palace, demonstrating unchecked tyranny.
Hypocrisy and Deception
The chapter contrasts the former efficient state systems with Justinian's destructive 'innovations' that serve only his own greed and control.
Suffering of the Common People
Landowners lose their crops due to the ruined courier system, peasants are burdened with baggage after camels are eliminated, and subjects are forced to beg like slaves in the palace.
Characters to notice
- Justinian
Described as a tyrant who forced prostrate homage, dismantled state infrastructure, and arbitrarily seized property.
- Theodora
Shared in the new homage rituals, received barbarian ambassadors, and demanded to be addressed as 'Your Majesty' or 'Your Highness'.
- Evangelius
A lawyer from Caesarea whose seaside village Porphyreon was seized by Justinian for a fraction of its value.
- Chosroes
Mentioned as the Persian king who maintained a spy system, in contrast to Justinian's neglect.
Key passages
“But these two, taking control of everything to the misfortune of their subjects, forced everyone to come to them and beg like slaves.”
Justinian and Theodora centralized all power, compelling their subjects to petition them in a humiliating manner.
Illustrates the theme of abuse of power and the degradation of the populace.
“For some were sure it was already in the hands of the barbarians, and others said the Emperor had hidden it away in his various dwelling places.”
People speculated that Roman prosperity had either been lost to barbarians or hoarded by Justinian.
Reflects the theme of suffering of the common people and the mystery of the emperor's true intentions.
“But only when Justinian, be he man or King of the Devils, shall have departed this life, shall they who then happen to survive him, discover the truth.”
Only after Justinian's death will the survivors learn the full extent of his tyranny and the fate of the empire's wealth.
Concludes the chapter with a dark prophecy about the emperor's legacy.