The Secret History · Chapter
XXVIII: His Violation of the Laws of the Romans, and How Jews Were Fined for Eating Lamb explained
Justinian abolishes the statute of limitations for the church to enable a fraudulent scheme against wealthy citizens of Emesa, orchestrated by the forger Priscus and church officials, and later suppresses Jewish Passover traditions, fining
What happens
Justinian abolishes the statute of limitations for the church to enable a fraudulent scheme against wealthy citizens of Emesa, orchestrated by the forger Priscus and church officials, and later suppresses Jewish Passover traditions, fining those who eat lamb.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when Theodora’s jealousy and fear of Amasalontha’s beauty and cunn…
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Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Corruption and Tyranny
Justinian uses his legislative power to enable a fraudulent scheme against innocent citizens for monetary gain.
- Injustice and Lawlessness
The statute of limitations is abolished retroactively to convict citizens based on forged documents.
- Abuse of Power
The emperor imposes religious restrictions on Jews and fines them for observing their own traditions.
Characters to notice
- Justinian
Emperor who abolishes the statute of limitations for the church and suppresses Jewish Passover customs.
- Priscus
Skilful forger who fabricates documents to extort money from wealthy citizens of Emesa.
- Mammian
Deceased patrician whose estate is used as the basis for the fraudulent claims.
- Longinus
Enforcer sent to Emesa who slaps Priscus, inadvertently halting the fraudulent suits.
Key passages
“He took the money, and without scruple published a new law, to the effect that the statute of limitations did not apply to the church, but claims connected with that institution might be brought at any time within a hundred years.”
Justinian accepted bribes and issued a law exempting the church from the statute of limitations, allowing claims up to a hundred years old.
Illustrates Justinian's willingness to corrupt Roman law for personal profit.
“For whenever in their calendar Passover came before the Christian Easter, he forbade the Jews to celebrate it on their proper day, to make then any sacrifices to God or perform any of their customs.”
Whenever the Jewish Passover fell before Christian Easter, Justinian prohibited Jews from observing their own festival and customs.
Demonstrates the emperor's interference in Jewish religious practices.
