Procopius of Caesarea (Greek: Προκόπιος ο Καισαρεύς, c. 500 – c. 565) was a prominent Eastern Roman scholar. He took part in the wars of the Emperor Justinian I, and was the major historian of the 6th century AD, writing the Wars of Justinian, the Buildings of Justinian and the celebrated Secret History. He is commonly held to be the last major historian of the ancient world.
Procopius
Questions and Answers
Q: Who was Procopius of Caesarea?
A: Procopius of Caesarea was a scholar and historian from the Eastern Roman Empire who lived from around 500 to 565 AD.
Q: What were some of Procopius' major works?
A: Procopius wrote several major works, including the Wars of Justinian, the Buildings of Justinian, and the Secret History.
Q: What was Procopius' role in the wars of Justinian I?
A: Procopius participated in the wars of Justinian I, which were a series of military campaigns fought by the Byzantine Empire under Justinian I's reign in the 6th century.
Q: What is the Wars of Justinian?
A: The Wars of Justinian is a historical work written by Procopius that chronicles the military campaigns of Justinian I's reign.
Q: What is the Buildings of Justinian?
A: The Buildings of Justinian is a historical work written by Procopius that details the construction and renovation projects undertaken by Justinian I during his reign.
Q: What is the Secret History?
A: The Secret History is a scandalous historical work written by Procopius that criticizes the actions and character of Justinian I and his wife, Empress Theodora.
Q: Why is Procopius considered the last major historian of the ancient world?
A: Procopius is commonly considered the last major historian of the ancient world because his works represent a bridge between the classical tradition of ancient Greek and Roman historiography and the medieval tradition that followed.