Procopius: The Secret History
PROCOPIUS’ MODEL OF AN IDEAL ROMAN RULER – AN EVALUTATION OF JUSTINIAN AND HIS DOINGS
Warren Purvin
The Byzantine Empire, 330-1453 – Section E
October 19, 2014
The Secret History is one of Procopius’s many works that helped him become of one of the most renowned scholars of all time. Written sometime during the sixth century but not actually published until 1653, The Secret History is one of the most valuable resources that provide information about the reign of Emperor Justinian. At the time of Justinian’s rule, Procopius was an advisor to the military commander Belisarius, and was eventually hired as Justinian’s biographer. While he constantly glorifies the emperor’s deeds in public documents, Procopius condemns Justinian …show more content…
Despite all the criticism he receives in The Secret History, Justinian is universally thought of as a Roman emperor who had a positive effect on his empire. On the other hand, Procopius is considered one of the most renowned scholars of all time. So who is to believe? Based on the accounts mentioned in his writing about Justinian, one could infer that Procopius may have “simplified history and failed to understand both emperor’s political motives and mindset.”4 It seems impossible for anyone to believe that Justinian was solely harmful to the empire when he was responsible for a lot of its advancements. Justinian took pride in beautifying the empire, and building the Hagia Sophia, one of the world’s most well-known and breathtaking churches. He gave the Roman world its first written code of laws described in the greatest detail. Justinian also spread Christianity beyond the Roman Empire, helping it reach the rest of the world and gain popularity. These amazing feats along with many others contribute to the general welfare of the empire and make Procopius’ negative opinions about the emperor differ from those of Justinian’s people. Procopius is one of few people of his time whose feelings towards the emperor do not coincide with those of the
Warren Purvin
The Byzantine Empire, 330-1453 – Section E
October 19, 2014
The Secret History is one of Procopius’s many works that helped him become of one of the most renowned scholars of all time. Written sometime during the sixth century but not actually published until 1653, The Secret History is one of the most valuable resources that provide information about the reign of Emperor Justinian. At the time of Justinian’s rule, Procopius was an advisor to the military commander Belisarius, and was eventually hired as Justinian’s biographer. While he constantly glorifies the emperor’s deeds in public documents, Procopius condemns Justinian …show more content…
Despite all the criticism he receives in The Secret History, Justinian is universally thought of as a Roman emperor who had a positive effect on his empire. On the other hand, Procopius is considered one of the most renowned scholars of all time. So who is to believe? Based on the accounts mentioned in his writing about Justinian, one could infer that Procopius may have “simplified history and failed to understand both emperor’s political motives and mindset.”4 It seems impossible for anyone to believe that Justinian was solely harmful to the empire when he was responsible for a lot of its advancements. Justinian took pride in beautifying the empire, and building the Hagia Sophia, one of the world’s most well-known and breathtaking churches. He gave the Roman world its first written code of laws described in the greatest detail. Justinian also spread Christianity beyond the Roman Empire, helping it reach the rest of the world and gain popularity. These amazing feats along with many others contribute to the general welfare of the empire and make Procopius’ negative opinions about the emperor differ from those of Justinian’s people. Procopius is one of few people of his time whose feelings towards the emperor do not coincide with those of the