Justinian II's Autobiography

The 'Autobiography of Justinian II was written by the emperor in the years after his return from exile in Kherson. It starts with the siege of Constantinople by the Arabs during the reign of Constantine IV, Justinian's father; it also described in detail the new secret weapon of Greek fire. It covers Justinian's adventures as emperor, in the palace and on campaign, his mutilation and exile in Kherson, and return to power and subsequent reign of terror; it also covers, in great detail, his losing his virginity to a serving girl, and his first time with both his wives. Finished in the days before his death at the hands of the rebel Helias, the writing style massively goes down hill, mirroring the madness quickly taking over Justinian's mind, and closing with one- or two-word sentences almost entirely about revenge. Entrusted to the care of faithful soldier Myakes, the book was discovered by Justinian's enemies when Myakes was captured but left unmolested, mostly to give the newly-blinded stalwart something to read in the monastery. Twenty years later, Myakes has the monk Elpidios read it to him; Elpidios has the book hidden away afterward, uncomfortable with the many sins described within, and certain it should not see the light of day again.