add that in some passages, owing to imperfections in the text or the involved nature of the sentences, it is difficult to feel sure as to the meaning. In these the translator can only hope to have given a rendering which harmonises with the context and is generally intelligible, even if the Greek does not seem to have been strictly followed. For a clear and succinct account of the reign of Justinian, the four chapters in Gibbon (xl.-xliv.), which are generally admitted to be the most successful in his great work, should be read. CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Arrangement of the work--The manner in which it has been drawn up--The causes of events omitted in previous writings--The duty of the historian towards posterity--Lessons necessary to tyrants--Semiramis, Sardanapalus, and Nero--Facts relating to Belisarius, Justinian, and Theodora. CHAPTER I Birth and character of Antonina--Her marriage with Belisarius--Her adulterous amours--Services rendered by her to the Empress Theodora--Her passion for the Thracian Theodosius--Adoption of the latter--The lovers surprised by Belisarius--His weakness--Revelation made by the slave Macedonia--Flight of Theodosius--Vengeance of Antonina upon Macedonia, and upon Constantine, who had spoken insultingly of her--Theodosius refuses to return to her until the departure of her son Photius--Retirement of Photius--Demands of Theodosius--His return--Infatuation of Belisarius--His return to Byzantium--Theodosius enters a cloister at Ephesus--Despair of Antonina--She causes him to be recalled--His resistance--His secret return. CHAPTER II Departure of Belisarius, accompanied by the "consular" Photius, for the war against Chosroes, King of Persia--Antonina remains at Byzantium--Her intrigues against Photius--The latter denounces her adulterous intimacy with Theodosius--Indignation of Belisarius--His agreement with Photius--His vengeance postponed--Entry of the Roman army into Persia--Downfall of John the Cappadocian--Antonina's perjuries--She sets out for the army--Theodosius sent back to Ephesus--Capture of Sisauranum--Arrival of Antonina--Retirement of Belisarius--Arethas and the Saracens--Colchis or Lazica invaded by Chosroes--Capture of Petra--Reverse sustained by Chosroes--The Huns defeated by Valerian--Insurrectionist movement amongst the Persians--Letter of Theodora to Zaberganes--Return of Chosroes to Persia. CHAPTER III