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Prokopiy KesariyskyByzantine historian
Country:
 Greece |
Content:
- Procopius of Caesarea: A Byzantine Historian
- Political Career
- 527-531: Persian campaign
- Historiographical Works
Procopius of Caesarea: A Byzantine Historian
Early Life and EducationProcopius was a Byzantine historian who lived during the reign of Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century CE. Little is known about his early life, but it is believed that he studied rhetoric and law.
Political Career
After settling in Constantinople, Procopius gained prominence at the imperial court. Shortly before Justinian's death in 527, Procopius became an advisor to the general Belisarius. He later became a member of Belisarius's staff and accompanied him on several military campaigns:
527-531: Persian campaign
533: African campaign536-540: Italian campaign
Return to Constantinople and Later Life
Around 540, Procopius returned to Constantinople, where he likely continued to hold government positions. He may have been Prefect of Constantinople in 562.
Historiographical Works
Procopius is best known for his three major works, which provide invaluable insights into the reign of Justinian:
The Wars (8 books): Completed in 553, this work chronicles the military campaigns of the Byzantine Empire, providing a detailed account of events in Africa, Italy, the Balkans, and the eastern borders. It also offers a general overview of Justinian's rule until 554.
On Buildings: Written in 553-555, this work provides a flattering account of the extensive construction projects undertaken by Justinian.
The Secret History: Composed around 550, this work contains a scathing and highly biased critique of Justinian and his court. It includes numerous scandalous and often unreliable anecdotes about Justinian's wife, Theodora.
