Prokopios' Secret History - Book Report/Review Example

The book 'The Secret History' finished around 551 but delayed in being published as the author feared for his life. The reason being that the book contains a vicious attack on Justinian and all aspects of his regime. The author’s tendency to exaggerate rhetorically is real although its basis has not been impugned factually. The book shatters the facade of harmony and compassion which was presented by Justinian and his spokespeople, which confirmed that it’s possible for cynics to come up with imaginations of their emperor’s behaviors and motives (Kaldellis 34) Anthony insists that he kept the text blunt and detailed just like it is in the original but some experts believe otherwise.

There is a belief that attempts at precision are usually but not always successful, hence making his edition more useful to someone who is not familiar with the Greek than other translations done by other authors. A good example being Sarris. The book is generally very interesting but most adults feel that it should have an age limit for readers due to its pornographic details of an empress in her youth. There are details of violence which can be unsuitable for some young readers as well. There are those who think that the book is exaggerated while there are others who think Kaldellis edition is the best due to its substantial details.

Importance of The book The book is good for students interested in knowing more about Rome in general as it has some good information regarding the Romans. We have all heard or probably watched a movie on ancient Rome and the Greek empires and made an opinion depending on what we saw or heard. Books are also another rich source of information. A keen student will have a copy of the book to familiarize him/herself on what really happened many years ago since the Rise of Rome to its fall. Some of the reasons why the book is important are: Educative/Informative By reading the Secret History a student will be able to learn what kind of leaders Rome had and how they ruled.

The book touches on emperors and their ruling styles. A student will benefit from reading the book as it educates on how rulers used their power to influence things like slavery, trade and war. Being well informed on history will always bear positive results as far as History class is concerned. The book plays a major role in educating students on what kind of technology, architectures and medicine was used by the roman empires. Students in a fall of Rome/rise of Byzantium class will benefit a lot from reading the book as it talks of what really happened in Rome during the ancient times.

How wars were of importance to the rulers. There have been many stories on Rome and we cannot assume that everything we hear is true. There is need for reading in details so as to really understand what is true and what is not. I believe the book should be included in the fall of Rome/rise of Byzantium class. The reason being that it touches and gives information on how Rome a city state on the peninsula dominated the Mediterranean world and other territories. Students will be able to understand why romans wanted to control their conquests.

Slavery was undeniably very strong with the romans emperors and to understand what slavery was all about including the sale of slaves from different areas and the kind of