The Secret History

The Secret History (also known as The Anecdota) is a provocative and scandalous work by the Byzantine historian Procopius, written in the 6th century. This work stands apart from his more formal historical writings, such as The Wars of Justinian, due to its candid, often salacious revelations about the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I and his wife, Theodora, as well as other key figures in the imperial court. In this explosive text, Procopius provides a dark, behind-the-scenes view of the Byzantine Empire, offering a glimpse into its political intrigue, corruption, and moral decay.


Unlike his public works, which were written to glorify the reign of Justinian and his accomplishments, The Secret History offers a searing critique of the imperial couple, portraying them as tyrants and immoral rulers. Procopius paints a picture of an empire plagued by corruption, incompetence, and scandal, and the emperor and empress are depicted in a particularly unflattering light. In a mix of gossip, gossip, and bitter criticism, Procopius lays bare the alleged secret vices and unscrupulous actions of the court, presenting a counter-narrative to the official propaganda of Justinian’s reign.