The Secret History · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in The Secret History by Procopius.
Justinian
major
Also known as the affable Justinian
Emperor of the Roman Empire, depicted as a corrupt and demonic ruler.
Theodora
major
Also known as the Empress Theodora, the cancerous Theodora, Empress
Empress and wife of Justinian, a former courtesan turned ruthless ruler.
Belisarius
major
Great general hoodwinked by his wife and humiliated by the empress.
Antonina
supporting
Also known as Whereupon Antonina
Wife of Belisarius and close friend of Empress Theodora, a master intriguer.
Peter Barsyames
supporting
Also known as Peter, Barsyames
Corrupt official and treasurer under Justinian, known for extortion.
Theodosius
supporting
Lover of Antonina who becomes a monk to escape Belisarius's wrath.
Justin
supporting
Also known as the Emperor Justin
Uncle of Justinian and previous emperor, known for his ignorance and stencilled signature.
Chosroes
supporting
Also known as King Chosroes
King of Persia, a frequent enemy of the Roman Empire in war.
Photius
supporting
Also known as the outraged Photius
Son of Antonina who exposes her affair with Theodosius.
Tribonian
supporting
Quaestor and legal expert, corruptly selling justice under Justinian.
Procopius
major
Also known as a Procopius, other Procopius
Author and historian, the narrator of this secret history.
John the Cappadocian
supporting
Also known as John, the Cappadocian
Corrupt praetorian prefect and close ally of Justinian.
Constantine
minor
A general executed by Belisarius for plotting against him.
Solomon
minor
General and governor in Africa under Belisarius.
Anatolius
minor
A Roman official involved in the story's intrigues.
Saturninus
minor
A Roman officer and associate of Belisarius.
Arsenius
minor
Also known as This Arsenius
A conspirator against Justinian, later executed.
Liberius
minor
A Roman patrician and official under Justinian.
Anastasius
minor
Former emperor, mentioned in context of Justinian's rise.
Priscus
minor
A Roman official and associate of Belisarius.
Diogenes
minor
Also known as a certain Diogenes
A soldier in Belisarius's army, known for his loyalty.
Faustin
minor
Also known as Palestine, a certain Faustin
A Samaritan who nominally converted to Christianity under duress.
Paul
minor
A Roman official or clergyman mentioned in the narrative.
Gibbon
minor
Also known as the more portly Mr. Gibbon, Mr. Gibbon, Edward Gibbon
Historian referenced as a commentator on these events.
Emperor Leo
minor
Also known as Leo
Previous emperor, father-in-law of Zeno.
Junilus
minor
A Roman official mentioned in passing.
Theodotus
minor
A Roman official or clergyman under Justinian.
Amalasuntha
minor
Also known as Amasalontha
Queen of the Ostrogoths, murdered by Theodatus.
Rhodon
minor
A Roman soldier or official in the narrative.
Zaberganes
minor
A Persian general under Chosroes.
Sergius
minor
A Roman official or military commander.
Proclus
minor
Also known as Proclus the Quaestor, Quaestor
Quaestor under Justinian, known for his integrity.
Alexander the Scissors
minor
Also known as Alexander
A Roman official known for cutting expenses.
Germanus
minor
A Roman general and relative of Justinian.
Pegasius
minor
A Roman official or bishop mentioned in the text.
Domitian
minor
Roman emperor cited as a parallel to Justinian's cruelty.
Callinicus
minor
A Roman official or soldier in the narrative.
Calligonus
minor
Also known as Discovering Calligonus
A eunuch in Theodora's service, involved in intrigues.
Buzes
minor
A Roman general under Belisarius.
Theodatus
minor
King of the Ostrogoths who murdered Amalasuntha.
Herodian
minor
A Roman official or soldier mentioned in passing.
Zeno
minor
Previous emperor, father of Longinus.
Eudemon
minor
Also known as This Eudemon
A Roman official or servant in the narrative.
Pope Vigilius
minor
Also known as Vigilius
Pope during Justinian's reign, caught in theological disputes.
Mammian
minor
A Roman official or soldier mentioned briefly.
Evangelius
minor
A Roman official or clergyman in the text.
Vitalian
minor
Also known as the rebel Vitalian
A rebel leader tricked and killed by Justinian.
Chrysomallo
minor
A courtesan and associate of Theodora.
Theodoric
minor
King of the Ostrogoths, predecessor to Theodatus.
Pelagius
minor
A Roman deacon or official mentioned in the narrative.
