Procopius of Caesarea

Procopius of Caesarea was a sixth-century Byzantine historian, born in Caesarea; his birth and death years are unknown, commonly placed at around 500 to around 565. He served on the staff of General Belisarius and accompanied the army through the Persian, North African and Italian wars of Justinian's reign, an experience that became the main basis for his writing. His works include History of the Wars, On Buildings, and The Secret History, published after his death. The Secret History sharply attacks the court of Justinian, forming a striking contrast with his public works, and is an important source for the study of sixth-century Byzantium. Four of his works are held in this collection. Public information is limited, and details of his early education and other aspects of his life are largely unknown; scholarship relies mainly on his writings to understand the man and his thought.