The Secret History · Character

Peter Barsyames

A plundering treasurer whom Theodora adores for his cruelty, sorcery, and talent for robbing the poor on the emperor's behalf.

supporting

Also known as Peter, Barsyames

First appearance: the secret history

As a supporting figure in The Secret History, Peter Barsyames is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Sent as ambassador to Italy, he persuades Theodatus to kill Amalasuntha and is rewarded with the rank of Master of Offices.

In the storyXVI: What Happened to Those Who Fell Out of Favor with TheodoraOpen this moment free

See Peter Barsyames in XVI: What Happened to Those Who Fell Out of Favor with Theodora Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Peter survives Justinian's attempt to dismiss him only because Theodora prizes his wickedness and his devotion to magicians and demons. Promoted to chief of the treasurers over the gentle John, he embezzles the dole set aside for the poor and debases the coinage, sharing the take with the emperor. He embodies how the regime rewards its worst servants, and his career shows the reader exactly how corruption travels from the throne down to the beggar's bowl.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Peter Barsyames sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Peter Barsyames in the secret history

Character Web

18 connections

A slice of how Peter Barsyames sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Historical Figures and Narrator
Protagonist
Justinian's Court Intriguers

+13 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional and psychological peak occurs when Theodora’s jealousy and fear of Amasalontha’s beauty and cunn…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Theodora
professional · positive
Peter Barsyames is a corrupt official and treasurer who serves as Theodora's loyal and… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Peter Barsyames in the secret history

In the story

Peter Barsyames appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XVI: What Happened to Those Who Fell Out of Favor with Theodora
Sent as ambassador to Italy, he persuades Theodatus to kill Amalasuntha and is rewarded with the rank of Master of Offices.
XXII: Further Corruption in High Places
Syrian banker turned pretorian guard, appointed to high office for his thievery and cruelty, sells offices and embezzles grain funds.
XXIII: How Landowners Were Ruined
Cited as one who dared the outrage of 'cooperative buying' along with the Cappadocian and successors.
XXIV: Unjust Treatment of the Soldiers, and How Justinian Tricked the “Students” Out of Their Pay by Threatening to Send Them to War
As Master of Offices, he daily extorts money from the Student Corps with unheard-of thefts; also implicated in the murder of Amasalontha.
XXV: How He Robbed His Own Officials, Merchants, Sailors, Workmen, and Everybody Else
As imperial treasurer, becomes the sole silk merchant, selling at inflated prices and enriching himself at public expense.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Peter Barsyames unlock in the free preview.

See Peter Barsyames in the secret history

See Peter Barsyames in XVI: What Happened to Those Who Fell Out of Favor with Theodora