Procopius of Caesarea, born around 500 in Caesarea Maritima, was a prominent Byzantine Greek scholar and historian who became the principal chronicler of the sixth century. He is highly regarded for his firsthand accounts of the major events of his era, particularly those concerning the Eastern Roman Empire. Procopius gained unique access to these events by accompanying the celebrated Byzantine general Belisarius during the wars fought under the rule of Emperor Justinian.
Throughout his career, Procopius authored several seminal texts that remain crucial to modern understandings of the period. His major work, the History of the Wars, documents the extensive military campaigns of the empire. He also wrote On Buildings, which details the vast architectural achievements of Justinian's reign, and the Secret History, a text that offers a highly critical and private perspective on the emperor and his court. Procopius died in 565, leaving a lasting impact on Byzantine historiography.
