Procopius

Meister von San Vitale in Ravenna

Procopius of Caesarea (c. 500 – c. 565 AD) was a prominent late Antique historian and scholar who is best known for his detailed and comprehensive accounts of the Byzantine Empire under the reign of Emperor Justinian I. Procopius is often considered the last major historian of the ancient Western world and his works provide valuable insights into the political, military, and social aspects of the Byzantine Empire during the 6th century.

Life

Little is known about the early life of Procopius. He was born in Caesarea in the province of Palestine around the year 500 AD. It is believed that he received a classical education in rhetoric, law, and philosophy, which prepared him for his future career. Procopius came to Constantinople where he gained the attention of Belisarius, one of Justinian's most esteemed generals. He served as Belisarius' legal advisor and secretary, accompanying him on several of his military campaigns, including the wars in Persia, Africa, and Italy. This unique position allowed Procopius to witness firsthand many of the events he later described in his works.

Works

Procopius' literary output can be divided into three main works: The Wars (or Histories), The Buildings, and the Secret History.

The Wars

The Wars is an eight-book collection that provides a detailed account of the military campaigns undertaken by Justinian to expand and defend the Byzantine Empire. It covers the Persian Wars, the Vandalic War in North Africa, and the Gothic War in Italy. Through The Wars, Procopius offers insights into the strategies, battles, and sieges of the era, as well as the leadership of Belisarius and other military figures.

The Buildings

The Buildings is a panegyric on Justinian's public works projects throughout the empire. In this work, Procopius describes the construction of churches, fortifications, bridges, and other infrastructure projects, highlighting the emperor's efforts to restore and beautify the empire. The Buildings serves not only as a record of architectural achievements but also as a source of information on the geography and cities of the Byzantine Empire.

The Secret History

Perhaps the most controversial of his works, the Secret History offers a starkly different perspective on the reign of Justinian and his court. Written in a much more critical and cynical tone, it portrays the emperor and his wife Theodora in a highly negative light, accusing them of cruelty, injustice, and incompetence. The Secret History also provides scandalous anecdotes about the private lives of the imperial couple and other high-ranking officials. Its authenticity and purpose have been the subject of much scholarly debate.

Legacy

Procopius' works have been invaluable to historians for their detailed account of 6th-century Byzantine history. His descriptions of the Justinianic Plague offer insights into the impact of pandemics on medieval societies. Despite questions about the reliability of some of his accounts, especially those in the Secret History, Procopius remains a crucial source for understanding the Byzantine Empire and the late Antique period.