Procopius of Caesarea is revered as the preeminent historian of Emperor Justinian's wars, a chronicler whose detailed accounts offer unparalleled insight into a pivotal era. His firsthand experience accompanying the general Belisarius provided him with intimate knowledge of military campaigns and political machinations. Through his service, he gained a profound understanding of the events he would later document. Procopius is recognized as the greatest of the later Greek historians, his work remaining an essential resource for understanding late antiquity.
History of the Wars by the Byzantine historian Procopius (late fifth century to after 558 CE) consists largely of sixth century CE military history, with much information about peoples, places, and special events. Powerful description complements careful narration. Procopius is just to the empire s enemies and boldly criticises emperor Justinian.
Focusing on the life and works of Procopius, this book explores his significance as the last major ancient historian of Eastern Rome. It highlights his primary role as a source for understanding Emperor Justinian's reign through his comprehensive writings, including an eight-book account of the Gothic Wars and a detailed examination of Justinian's public works. Notably, the "Secret History" reveals scandals and controversies omitted from official narratives, offering a unique perspective on the period.
Procopius of Caesarea (c. 500-c. 565) was a prominent Eastern Roman scholar of the family Procopius. He is commonly held to be the last major ancient historian. The writings of Procopius are the primary source of information for the rule of the Roman emperor Justinian. He was the author of a history in eight books of the wars fought by Justinian I, a panegyric on Justinian's public works throughout the empire, and a book known as The Secret History of the Court of Justinian that claims to report the scandals that Procopius could not include in his published history. Although it is not as famous as The Secret History of the Court of Justinian, Procopius' History of the Wars is clearly his most important work. The first seven books, which were published as a unit, seem to have been largely completed by 545, but were updated to mid-century before publication, for the latest event mentioned belongs to early 551. Later, Procopius added an eighth book which brings the history to 552/553, when a Roman army led by the eunuch Narses finally destroyed the Ostrogothic kingdom.
Set against the backdrop of the 6th century Byzantine Empire, the narrative provides a critical view of Emperor Justinian I's reign, contrasting with Procopius' more flattering accounts. As an advisor to General Belisarius, Procopius reveals the political intrigues, power struggles, and corruption within the imperial court. This work exposes the darker aspects of this historical period, showcasing scandals that affected key figures and inviting readers to explore the complexities of Byzantine politics and society during a transformative era.
A trusted member of the Byzantine establishment, Procopius was the Empire's official chronicler, and his History of the Wars of Justinian proclaimed the strength and wisdom of the Emperor's reign. Yet all the while the dutiful scribe was working on a very different—and dangerous—history to be published only once its author was safely in his grave. <i>The Secret History</i> portrays the 'great lawgiver' Justinian as a rampant king of corruption and tyranny, the Empress Theodora as a sorceress and whore, and the brilliant general Belisarius as the pliable dupe of his scheming wife Antonina. Magnificently hyperbolic and highly opinionated, <i>The Secret History</i> is a work of explosive energy, depicting holy Byzantium as a hell of murder and misrule.
