Procopius of Caesarea
Procopius of Caesarea was a well-educated lawyer, a highly-placed government official, and a remarkable historian of the sixth-century Byzantine/Eastern Roman Empire. He served for years as the secretary of Flavius Belisarius, Justinian’s top general, and was in a position to observe both men personally. During his lifetime, Procopius produced several major works that praised Justinian as an emperor and administrator, most notably in his History of the Wars and in his On
Buildings. However, another work on Justinian that was not flattering, The Secret History, was published after Procopius’ death.
How does Procopius portray Belisarius, Justinian, and the empress Theodora in this posthumous historical account and why does he do so?
Can the Justinian of this secret historical work be reconciled with the praiseworthy emperor of earlier works?
Why did Procopius write The Secret History?
Discuss, analyze, and explain. Also provide citations, and do so by using parentheticals; for example, (SH, p. 88). Use quotations sparingly and be bold in your conclusions.
Feel free to draw upon your lecture notes and other assigned readings from our class, though they are not necessary. Four (4) full and pithy pages, double spaced, 12-point font, Times New Roman, 1-inch margins.
