Procopius distained them. If you read his "Secret History" you will see a very diffrerent picture of Theodora.
He was a coward in Battle.
Procopius' depiction of Justinian in his writings, particularly in "The Secret History," is often characterized as critical and unflattering, portraying him as tyrannical, manipulative, and self-serving. While some elements of his portrayal may reflect historical truths about Justinian's rule and policies, Procopius’ bias and personal grievances should be considered when assessing the accuracy of his depiction. Ultimately, his portrayal captures a complex figure whose reign was marked by both ambitious achievements and controversial decisions. Thus, while elements may be accurate, they are also influenced by Procopius' perspective and intent.
The Historia Arcana expressed Procopius' dissatisfaction with the emperor, Belisarius (his general) and their wives, Theodora and Antonina. Justinian is portrayed as cruel, venal, prodigal and incompetent and as a a monster whose head could suddenly vanish. He alleged that a man at Justinian's court saw the head of the emperor vanish while he was walking about and then re-joining his body "as strangely as it had left it." Procopius' worse allegation were about Theodora, whom she portayed as dissolute actress who performed on the stage almost nacked and got slaves to scatter barley seed over her groin and used trained geese to peck them.
John Mcollach
... Intelligent.
Procopius distained them. If you read his "Secret History" you will see a very diffrerent picture of Theodora.
He was a coward in Battle.
Procopius does not paint Justinian in a positive light in the Secret History. He stresses the emperors cruelty, venality, wastefulness, and incompetence.
Procopius. has written: 'La guerra gotica' -- subject(s): History, Goths in Italy, Goths, Military history, Medieval, Medieval Military history, Italy Gothic War, 535-555 'Procopii Caesariensis opera omnia' -- subject(s): Early works to 1800, World history 'Procopius de bello Gottorum' 'History of the Wars, Books I and II' 'SECRET HISTORY; TRANS. BY G.A. WILLIAMSON' 'Procopii Caesariensis V.I. Anekdota' 'The Secret History' 'The Secret History of the Court of Justinian' -- subject(s): OverDrive, History, Nonfiction
Well, when Procopius gave his official account of Justinian (saying that he was serious, even-tempered, and worked from dawn to midnight), Justinian was probably in power, and if Procopius said what was really on his mind, he would have been killed (or at least exiled). Procopius decided to wait until after Justinian's death to publish "The Secret History" which portrays to the truth of Justinian's "deceitful, devious, false, hypocritical, two-faced, [and] cruel" ways (The Secret History).
History Alive was published in the United States.
Procopius was the writer. He was part of Justinian's court, but wrote this scathing composition about Justinian and his wife, Theodora.
In Procopius' "Secret History," Justinian is depicted as cruel, corrupt, and incompetent, focusing on his immorality and manipulation of power. In "The Buildings," written by Procopius as well, Justinian is portrayed as a wise and ambitious ruler who accomplished great architectural feats and revitalized the city of Constantinople. The contrasting portrayals highlight the complex legacy of Justinian's reign.
Procopius' depiction of Justinian in his writings, particularly in "The Secret History," is often characterized as critical and unflattering, portraying him as tyrannical, manipulative, and self-serving. While some elements of his portrayal may reflect historical truths about Justinian's rule and policies, Procopius’ bias and personal grievances should be considered when assessing the accuracy of his depiction. Ultimately, his portrayal captures a complex figure whose reign was marked by both ambitious achievements and controversial decisions. Thus, while elements may be accurate, they are also influenced by Procopius' perspective and intent.
Ellis Esler's "World History" was published in Boston.
no published history