description Procopius Overview
Procopius was a sixth-century Byzantine historian who served as secretary and adviser to the general Belisarius during the reign of Emperor Justinian I. His surviving works include The Wars of Justinian, which describes campaigns against Persia, the Vandals, and the Goths; The Buildings, which discusses imperial construction; and the Secret History, a hostile account of Justinian's court. Together, these texts provide detailed evidence for Byzantine military, political, and social history.
help Procopius FAQ
Who was Procopius, and whom did he serve?
Procopius was a sixth-century Byzantine historian who served as secretary and adviser to the general Belisarius. He wrote during the reign of Emperor Justinian I and had direct proximity to the imperial military and court.
What wars does Procopius describe in The Wars of Justinian?
The work covers Byzantine campaigns against the Persian Empire, the Vandals in North Africa, and the Goths in Italy. Its surviving structure contains eight books divided among those major theaters of war.
How is Procopius's Secret History different from The Wars?
The Wars presents campaigns, commanders, diplomacy, and military events in a relatively public historical narrative. The Secret History is far more hostile toward Justinian and Theodora and focuses on scandal, corruption, and court criticism.
What is Procopius's Buildings about?
Buildings praises Justinian's construction and restoration projects across the Byzantine Empire. It is an important source for imperial architecture, including churches, fortifications, roads, and water systems.
explore Explore More
Similar to Procopius
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
