Procopius

Biography

Procopius of Caesarea (c. 500–c. 565 AD) was a Byzantine Greek historian and the most important historian of the 6th century, whose works provide essential testimony about the reign of Emperor Justinian I and the late Roman Empire. Born in Caesarea in Palestine, Procopius received a classical education and became legal adviser and secretary to the general Belisarius, accompanying him on military campaigns against the Vandals in North Africa, the Goths in Italy, and the Persians in the East. His official histories—the Wars (covering Justinian’s military campaigns) and the Buildings (praising Justinian’s construction program)—are invaluable historical records. However, Procopius is most famous for the Secret History (Anecdota), a scandalous, unpublished manuscript that violently attacks Justinian and especially Empress Theodora with accusations of demonic possession, sexual depravity, tyranny, and incompetence. The Secret History’s vivid malice and the extreme contrast with his official works have fascinated historians for centuries, raising questions about the relationship between official history and private truth.