Procopius

Procopius was a Byzantine historian who flourished during the first half of the 6th Cent., whose writings remain a vital source for the period.

Born probably in Caesarea, Palestine, he was adviser to the Byzantine army commander Belisarius, and travelled widely in his work as they campaigned against the Persians in the east, the Vandals in Africa, and the Goths in Sicily and Italy. Nothing is known about his later life though he may have served as prefect of Constantinople from c.562 onwards.

His writings fall into three categories. The Wars, in eight volumes, is a report of the long struggles of emperors Justin I and Justinian I against the Persians, the Vandals and the Ostrogoths. The Secret History, published posthumously, contains additions to The Wars which he could not publish earlier for fear of offending the emperors and generals while they were alive. The Buildings is an account of the public works undertaken during the reign of Justinian down to 560.