Demonology and Plague-Discourse as Discursive Intersections in Procopius’s Construction of Justinian in Secret History

Abstract This article examines the demonological discourse in Procopius’s Secret History with a focus on internal and inter-textual evidence from Procopius’s corpus, particularly his treatment of demons in relation to the 542 bubonic plague pandemic, as described in the Wars . While previous scholarship by Rubin, Cameron, and Denson has convincingly demonstrated that the depiction of Justinian as a demonic figure draws on broader cultural and literary contexts, this study investigates Procopius’s demonological rhetoric within the Wars and Secret History , specifically in the context of his plague narrative. This approach complements Cameron’s inter-textual methodology but leads to additional conclusions, diverging from Kaldellis’s view of demonological elements as literary embellishments. Building on an earlier argument that Procopius’s plague discourse in the Wars constructs the plague as a corollary for Justinian’s destructive rule, this article explores how Procopius employs pestilential and demonological themes to intensify the emperor’s portrayal as a malevolent force. Through a detailed analysis of the plague narrative, this analysis demonstrates how Procopius integrates these themes to frame Justinian as an agent of destruction whose impact transcends political and social realms, extending into the cosmic and religious dimensions of Late Antiquity. This study contributes to the broader discourse on Procopian demonology by highlighting the intricate connections between pestilence, demonic imagery, and imperial critique. It underscores how these elements work together to construct Justinian not merely as a flawed ruler but as an existential threat, aligning him with the malevolence associated with both demons and the plague.