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The Secret History of the Court of Justinian

Procopius · 549-562 (composed under Justinian; period covered by the work) primary

passage 19 of 92 · CHAPTER I

in brief
Procopius claims laws were altered for money, highlights cases involving churches and a forger named Priscus, and describes a series of imprisonments, confiscations, governor appointments, and anti-Jewish persecution at Passover.

Laws changed for money considerations--Affair of the church of Emesa--Priscus the forger--A hundred years' prescription granted to the churches--Mission of Longinus--Persecution of the Jews at the Passover--Justinian's intolerance.

Justinian's hypocrisy--Letters sent to both Liberius and John Laxarion, confirming them as governors of Egypt--Intervention of Pelagius and Eudaemon--Murder of John--Liberius acquitted by the Senate--Fine inflicted by Justinian--Confiscation of the inheritances of Eudaemon, Euphratas, and Irenaeus--New law as to the inheritances of municipal councillors--Spoliation of the daughter of Anatolia and Ascalon, the widow of Mamilianus--Affair of Tarsus--Malthanes and the Blues of Cilicia--Unpunished assassinations--Justinian's corruptness--Leo the Referendary.

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topics: contracts, oaths, and obligation · equity, mercy, and pardon · religious persecution and toleration

The Secret History of the Court of Justinian · Procopius · 549–562