Procopius Precopius: The Secret History Procopius View

Procopius Precopius: The Secret History Procopius view of women in his "The Secret History" is summed up best by his own comments. Because this work totally refutes all that was written by him before about women and the rule of Emperor Justinian. Procopius wrote that he was certain that this writing would ruin his credibility as a historian and that his legacy would only be seen as fiction or prose at best (By the Historian 1).

He said further that they he would be seen as simply "Worse yet, it occurs to me that what I am now about to tell will seem neither probable nor plausible to future generations" (By the Historian). It is true that much of "The Secret History" is so absurd that they to a certain extent appear unbelievable.

He refutes his earlier comments about the Justinian Empire giving as excuse the fact that during the emperor's reign, he would have suffered a quick exile or unimaginable death if the truth had been told. Stating that "their hordes of spies would have found out about it, and they would have put me to a most horrible death" (By the Historian). Procopius viewed women to be vile, sexually deviant, self-consumed creatures that could make even the strongest man subject to their slavery and total domination.

He felt that women could turn the heart of men into total degradation, especially those that enjoyed wealth and power and the ability to control the lives of others (2). Theodora was such a woman with humble beginnings as an actor or courtesan who later becoming an empress was given political rank as a senator. He believed women in power were capable of defaming men through outrageous acts of cruelty and vindictive behavior (15). His accounts of Theodora are misogynistic spewing a hatred of women (1).

In "The Secret History," however, his remarks only serve to promote curiosity in the Byzantine Empress Theodora, something he most likely did not intend. Considered to be instrumental as a confidant to Emperor Justinian I of the East Roman Empire was Theodora his wife. Though they were childless as a couple they were a significant platform for influencing the lives of their subjects and families throughout the Roman world during and even after their reign. It is recorded that Theodora had multiple lovers and abortions before marriage to Justinian (1).

The Empress first showed her steely fortitude when faced with a major insurgence noted as the Nika Revolt to the regime in 532. The situation is explained as a time of cowardly indecision on the part of Justinian who was heir to the throne (Procopius Wars, 1-24-34). As a riot ensued, Justinian discussed with his counselors and council what they should do. They were deciding to run for their lives and abandon the palace in their ships. Theodora was present and stood to share her opinion of the matter.

After a speech was given by a member of the insurgents Senate cabinet, she spoke saying that she would not flee but remain in the palace giving a speech that spoke of defying such insolent behavior from the rioters. She even retorted that Justinian could run if he chose but that she would not ((Procopius Wars, 1-24 35-36). Her words gave Justinian the courage he needed to make up his mind and decide to attack rather than flee.

He then told his dependable army officers to attack the rioters that were present in the Hippodrome. The captains of the army were Prince Mundo and also Belisarius (Procopius Wars, 1-24 36-37). Theodora was considered very strong willed and determined when she made a decree. Justinian was more compassionate and willing to allow the descendants of his enemy Anastasius to live. While Theodora would have had them killed (1-24-37). One of them was Hypatius that was to replace Justinian if the revolt had been successful.

Though she was of questionable character ruthless in ruling the empire with Justinian as shown in The Secret History of Procopius (5-9). Also having a daughter out of wedlock and being called a harlot by trade before becoming empress, she determined the fate of women that were involved in the one of the oldest professions of women in particular. According to the Anekdota and The Secret History by Procopius she moved to relocate 500 women that had worked in brothels to convents against their will.

Thereby freeing them from a lifestyle of prostitution however many chose to kill themselves by committing suicide rather than adopt the life of a nun. They were forced to accept passage and shelter at the Metanoia which means Repentance. The convent was located far away from the empire in Asia (17). In another instance Theodora stood as judge over legal matters concerning women (13). Certain reforms were put in place by Justinian that appeared to have the influence of Theodora that supported women.

Another area relates to the act of adultery which before Theodora and Justinian allowed women to be murdered who were guilty of this act according.