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Commentary
Semiramis, Sardanapalus, Nero. Semiramis and Sardanapolus were semi-legendary eastern monarchs, known for sensual luxury and sybaritism respectively. (There are contemporaneous references to Semiramis in the Greek Anthology, I am sure, but I've worn myself out looking.) Nero is the Roman emperor who ruled AD 64-68. | Link 1: About.com, Women's History Links on Semiramis.
Link 2: Nero (De Imperatoribus Romanis) | [ T.S. ] |
Belisarius. Belisarius was the driving force behind Justinian's successful wars of reconquest. He won major battles agaist the Vandals at Tricamarum in north Africa (534), took Rome from the Ostragoths (536), and withstood a year-long seige there. His actions in these and other wars were recorded by his secretary, Procopius. The depiction that follows is at odds with the exceptionally heroic portrait of the Wars. | Link 1: Links about Belisarius (From my site Justinian, Theodora and Procopius.)
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Still another thing for a long time deferred my passion to relieve myself of this untold tale. For I wondered if it might be prejudicial to future generations, and the wickedness of these deeds had not best remain unknown to later times: lest future tyrants, hearing, might emulate them. It is deplorably natural that most monarchs mimic the sins of their predecessors and are most readily disposed to turn to the evils of the past.
But, finally, I was again constrained to proceed with this history, for the reason that future tyrants may see also that those who thus err cannot avoid retribution in the end, since the persons of whom I write suffered that judgment. Furthermore, the disclosure of these actions and tempers will be published for all time, and in consequence others will perhaps feel less urge to transgress.
For who now would know of the unchastened life of Semiramis or the madness of Sardanapalus or Nero, if the record had not thus been written by men of their own times? Besides, even those who suffer similarly from later tyrants will not find this narrative quite unprofitable. For the miserable find comfort in the philosophy that not on them alone has evil fallen.
Accordingly, I begin the tale. First I shall reveal the folly of Belisarius, and then the depravity of Justinian and Theodora.
[1] How the great general Belisarius was hoodwinked by his wife
The father of Belisarius's wife, a lady whom I have mentioned in my former books, was (and so was her grandfather) a charioteer, exhibiting that trade in Constantinople and Thessalonica. Her mother was one of the wenches of the theater; and she herself from the first led an utterly wanton life. Acquainted with magic drugs used by her parents before her, she learned how to use those of compelling qualities and became the wedded wife of Belisarius, after having already borne many children.
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