Books › The Secret History
The Secret History
First published 1982 · 388 pages
A formal, rhetorical journey into the hidden facets of the Byzantine Empire and its rulers.
What it feels like
Reading this text feels like stepping into the shadowed halls of the Byzantine Empire, guided by the measured, formal voice of a classical rhetorician. The pace is steady and deliberate, reflecting the author's background as a jurist and advocate in ancient Constantinople. Rather than a fast-paced narrative, it offers a scholarly, antiquarian mood that immerses the reader in the complexities of imperial power and historical revelation. The prose is structured and persuasive, carrying the weight of antiquity and the careful articulation of a legal mind. It will deeply satisfy readers who are fascinated by ancient Rome and medieval history, offering them a methodical, behind-the-scenes look at the reign of Justinian I through a distinctly classical lens.
- Mood
- antiquarian
- shadowy
- academic
- Tone
- scholarly
- rhetorical
- formal
- revealing
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- historical revelation · imperial power · the nature of empire · rhetoric and law
- The writing
- Formal and structured, reflecting the author's background as a classical rhetorician and jurist.
- The arc
- A steady immersion into the hidden corridors of ancient imperial power, guided by a formal and rhetorical voice.
- Who it's for
- Readers fascinated by ancient Rome and the Byzantine Empire who appreciate classical historical texts and behind-the-scenes accounts of imperial figures.
Content notes
- imperial politics
About the book
Procopius, the most important of the Byzantine historians, was born at Caesarea in Palestine towards the beginning of the sixth century of the Christian era. After having for some time practised as a Rhetorician, that is, advocate or jurist, in his native land, he seems to have migrated early to Byzantium or Constantinople. There he gave lessons in elocution, and acted as counsel in several law-cases.
Description from Open Library.
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