An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List

220. Justinian & Theodora: The Secret History (Part 3)

August 11, 2022

Description

Wars, disease, and legacy. In the final episode of the trilogy, Tom and Dominic discuss the Byzantine reconquest of Italy, the arrival of the Justinianic plague, and the legacy of Justinian and...
Read more here

Books Referenced

Count Belisarius

Author: Robert Graves

Context:

Referenced as 'his novel' by Robert Graves when discussing the falling out between Justinian and Belisarius - 'their falling out that Robert Graves writes about in his novel'

Secret History

Author: Procopius

Context:

Referenced multiple times as Procopius's scandalous account of Justinian and Theodora, containing the famous passages about Theodora's past and criticisms of Justinian as a demonic figure

On Buildings

Author: Procopius

Context:

Explicitly mentioned as one of Procopius's works - 'he also writes a book about the monuments that Justinian raises. With a brilliant title, On Buildings.'

History of the Wars

Author: Procopius

Context:

Referenced as Procopius's historical account of the Vandal War and conquest of Italy, described as more respectful of Justinian than the Secret History