A Commentary on Procopius' Secret History

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The age of Justinian has again become a hot topic for classicists but the most eminent historian of the sixth century has not benefited from the renewed interest. In particular, an extensive historical and philological commentary on his works is still missing. Procopius lacks a basic tool for further scholarly analysis of individual passages as well as of his literary accomplishments. The proposed commentary on the famous Secret History will remedy this serious deficit. The commentary will be a storehouse for the relevant literature and give an extensive explanation of the 183 pages of text. It will provide factual information, discuss what the text means to say, embed the text in its historical and literary context, and check its historical accuracy. Together with the commentary the volume will include a German translation that allows easy access for students with little or no knowledge of Greek. The commentary covers historical as well as philological matters (including linguistic issues when relevant for the interpretation). Therefore the participation of a classicist with an eminent knowledge of Greek and of the Greek literature especially of the Classical era (a main reference foil for Procopius) is indispensable. In light of this qualification requirement and the time-consuming task of writing a commentary, only a postdoctoral researcher in full-time employment can enable the project to meet its objectives. The sections of the Secret History will be commented upon successively. The applicant will work in close collaboration with the postdoctoral researcher on the same passages. They will write drafts separately, revise them for each other, and discuss the results as long as necessary until a final version that is approved by both can be completed. This intense and critical exchange serves as a kind of internal cross-checking which enhances the quality of the result. Renowned scholars will assist the project with their expertise for its entire duration. In addition to the postdoctoral researcher the proposal suggests funding for student assistants as well as for publishing. The commentary will also come out as an e-book. Later a digital version will be implemented as an online database. This will occur once Procopius' other works, the Buildings and the voluminous Wars, have been given commentaries in a follow-up project. This proposal will be the first component of a complete commentary on Procopius, which is sorely needed. The three-year project will result in an essential working tool for any reader of the Secret History. The later commentaries will enhance its usability and facilitate further debate on a central author.