Procopius as Historian: His Contribution to the 6th Century AD the History of Eastern Mediterranean and Anatolia

Procopius was born in Caesarea Palaestina in about A. D. 500 during the period known after the Emperor Justinian. Procopius was the author of three separate history books written in completely different style and therefore, the subject of long-lasting discussions about whether or not these books were products of the same author, i.e. Procopius. It is assumed that he was a member of a land-owning family and had a notably good education. Procopius was on the road for long periods of time because of his duties and educational purposes. He addressed his observations, the events and stories he had either witnessed or heard during such travels and developed a reputation as a highly interesting historian. Since he knew the most important languages of that period, his works are rich in terms of references. Due to his education, his works bear the trace of other historians who had lived about a thousand years before him. Just as the classical historians, he starts his history records with an introduction. Herodotus, referred as 'the father of history', gives an account of the wars between Greeks and Persians. Thucydides writes about the war between the two city states, i.e. Athens and Sparta. Centuries later, growing in a different culture and period centuries later, Procopius of Caesarea writes about the events taking place during the reign of Emperor Justinian. Just as Herodotus and Thucydides, Procopius is one of the most important sources for his time and he is often the only source. Just as Justinianus is considered to be the last Roman and the first Byzantine emperor and as a cornerstone ending one period and starting another, Procopius is also considered to be the last name maintaining the tradition of classical historiography. During this period, there is a different language, style, tradition and culture. Procopius has explicity and implicity criticized Justinian explicitly and sometimes implicitly due to his policies and reforms. It is said that Justinian received negative responses and reactions during his reign because he consumed material resources and was interested in religious matters. Procopius recorded the emperor's actions and the events around his palace. Procopius wrote a single book on construction activities; however, it is beyond doubt that 'the Secret History', a book full of criticism and accusation, is currently his most famous book. 'History of the Wars' is also a highly significant work consisting of important references about his skills as a military historian. While wars were being fought almost everywhere in the empire, Procopius accompanied important commanders as a consultant and a private secretary and as a result, he was able to make first-hand observations before becoming a historian. This is exactly what makes 'History of the Wars' stand out. He was extremely advantageous in obtaining information due to his status. As a result of being on a campaign, he traveled frequently and to distant regions. Thus, he learned about different cultures and various geographic locations. Due to his character and meticulousness in record keeping, he wrote in detail and sometimes addressed those issues 'off-topic' issues.