Justinian and Theodora, whom the majority of The Secret History’s plot revolves around, are wicked to say the least. Throughout the book, they have a massive number of murders committed for their own personal gain. Justinian, who is observed as taking a devilish form, amasses a huge fortune; but still desires more (Procopius 65). There is no question that their simple being on earth is revolting. However, Procopius particularly finds the dishonesty and cruelty aspects of their lives sickening. The author has a negative view on multiple other characters in the story, which questions his judgement of character.
The book begins focusing on the characters Belisarius, his wife Antonina, and their son by Christian rite of adoption-- Theodosius. …show more content…
As a result of his Uncle Justin’s help, the former Petrus Sabbatius was allotted Roman guard. After the emperor Anastasisus died, Justinian bribed for the opportunity to become the new emperor. This was not the only occasion Justinian used money to his benefit, he did multiple other times throughout the book. Justinian and Theodora met through the Blue deem. As mentioned above, they could not live together because of the law. Once his uncle passed, the empire was left to Justinian. Justinian took advantage of this, and used his wealth to upgrade and buy everything he desired. He shook the Roman Empire to its foundation (Procopius 40). People were robbed and murdered, so that they would not speak of what had been done to them. When what they did was discovered, no legal action was taken. Therefore, they became fearless and the problems only escalated. Justinian was ruthless, and wanted to be well known. He accomplished this, but according to Procopius not in a noble …show more content…
The acts that they committed were so wrong that it was said no human could have accomplished them, which is why they were both compared to devilish creatures. They constantly promoted murder, and robbery to innocent people for personal gain. No remorse was felt after ruining civilian’s lives. Procopius was so against this power couple, because of the murder and debauchery they practiced. This was so revolting because he did it all for personal gain, and did not care who was affected in result of it. In the Secret History, personal feelings are no longer masked. Procopius does not have to fear of what the consequences will be for speaking of them so harshly. His opinion of their true personalities is displayed. To summarize his views on Justinian, he (Procopius) includes a paragraph that says, “If I select some of those which will exhibit his whole character to prosperity, and which clearly shows his dissimulation, his neglect of God, the priesthood, the laws, and the people which showed itself devoted to him. He was utterly without shame; he had no care for the interest or advantage of the state, and did not trouble himself about excusing his misdeeds, or, in fact, about anything else but how he might plunder and appropriate the wealth of the whole world.” (Procopius 125). The two most prevalent acts that he committed were the overall omission of God, because with him he would
The book begins focusing on the characters Belisarius, his wife Antonina, and their son by Christian rite of adoption-- Theodosius. …show more content…
As a result of his Uncle Justin’s help, the former Petrus Sabbatius was allotted Roman guard. After the emperor Anastasisus died, Justinian bribed for the opportunity to become the new emperor. This was not the only occasion Justinian used money to his benefit, he did multiple other times throughout the book. Justinian and Theodora met through the Blue deem. As mentioned above, they could not live together because of the law. Once his uncle passed, the empire was left to Justinian. Justinian took advantage of this, and used his wealth to upgrade and buy everything he desired. He shook the Roman Empire to its foundation (Procopius 40). People were robbed and murdered, so that they would not speak of what had been done to them. When what they did was discovered, no legal action was taken. Therefore, they became fearless and the problems only escalated. Justinian was ruthless, and wanted to be well known. He accomplished this, but according to Procopius not in a noble …show more content…
The acts that they committed were so wrong that it was said no human could have accomplished them, which is why they were both compared to devilish creatures. They constantly promoted murder, and robbery to innocent people for personal gain. No remorse was felt after ruining civilian’s lives. Procopius was so against this power couple, because of the murder and debauchery they practiced. This was so revolting because he did it all for personal gain, and did not care who was affected in result of it. In the Secret History, personal feelings are no longer masked. Procopius does not have to fear of what the consequences will be for speaking of them so harshly. His opinion of their true personalities is displayed. To summarize his views on Justinian, he (Procopius) includes a paragraph that says, “If I select some of those which will exhibit his whole character to prosperity, and which clearly shows his dissimulation, his neglect of God, the priesthood, the laws, and the people which showed itself devoted to him. He was utterly without shame; he had no care for the interest or advantage of the state, and did not trouble himself about excusing his misdeeds, or, in fact, about anything else but how he might plunder and appropriate the wealth of the whole world.” (Procopius 125). The two most prevalent acts that he committed were the overall omission of God, because with him he would