The writing of Procopius, "The Secret History," is a historic record of Emperor Justinian's (527-565) reign. His graphic detail is very harsh and depicts Justinian as a vile human being and ruler. There was a lot of war and crusades during Justinian's rule of Constantinople. Justinian's goal was to conquer the West and rid it of Germanic speaking people. These wars transformed Rome and the majority of Italy leaving it without resources. The people that weren't killed migrated to the eastern and northern parts of the land. Justinian and his wife Theodora's magnitude was put on display in mosaics at the Church of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy. Procopius's writings and Justinian and his wife presents in the mosaic are in extreme contrast of each other. .
Procopius begins describing Justinian's physical attributes then goes into detail of his personality and the way he ruled. His disdain for Justinian is evident when he describes him as "deceitful, devious, false, hypocritical, two-faced and cruel" (Atwater); these words alone paint the picture of an awful human being far be it an Emperor. The mosaics show Justinian to be a gracious person who is show with a nimbus around his head a crown depicting sacred power (HR. 305). His face looks kind and angelic and the people depicted around him are positions as so to show their support for him and his power. Procopius continues to explain him as a barbarian than a logical ruler, not caring about anyone around him that did not agree with his beliefs. In contract Justinian's stance in the mosaic shows him holding a piece of bread which the Orthodox believed could be transformed in to the Body of Christ at Mass (HR. 305), and he is dressed in purple and gold which are considered regal colors. The symbols, offering and the dress portray Justinian as a man of royal standing, power and respect. .
Procopius continues to illuminate his view on Justinian by describing how "he turned everything upside down" (Atwater).
