Procopius, the Secret History the Book Review

Total Length: 1599 words ( 5 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 1

Page 1 of 5

To publish it before his death would have meant certain public execution for Procopius for defying the authority of the ruler. However, publishing it after his death would have undermined his authority and those that followed him. Publishing these inflammatory statements after Justinians death would help to assure that the next ruler was of higher quality than the previous one. The people would have demanded it. The political undertones of Procopius are apparent throughout the work.

Conclusions and Recommendations

Procopius was careful in the military histories that preceded The Secret History to write a diplomatically correct account of the occurrences. Procopius hinted at injustices in the earlier works, but had to temper them, to do otherwise, would have been a threat to his safety, as he states in his introduction.

Stuck Writing Your "Procopius, the Secret History The" Book Review?

However, one must also wonder why he decided to write The Secret History. It may be noted that The Secret History was not published until after Justinian's death (Atwater).

The author does provide clues to changing attitudes surrounding newly emerging political factions, particularly Christians and Jews. Considering the influences of these factions of Procopius' writing, it is recommended that the reader treat The Secret History not as a history and accurate account of the truth, but rather as a glimpse into the tensions that existed among Christians, Jews, and the Roman Empire of the time. It is a valuable historical work of the time, but not because of its accuracy of events, but because of its glimpse into the passions of the time.

Works.....

Show More ⇣


     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Procopius The Secret History The" (2009, February 28) Retrieved May 21, 2024, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/procopius-secret-history-24393

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Procopius The Secret History The" 28 February 2009. Web.21 May. 2024. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/procopius-secret-history-24393>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Procopius The Secret History The", 28 February 2009, Accessed.21 May. 2024,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/procopius-secret-history-24393