Procopius

Timeline

1. c. 500–527Caesarea Maritima · PalestineProcopius was born in Caesarea in Palestine, received a good classical Greek and rhetorical education, and studied law in Beirut or Alexandria, becoming a trained lawyer and rhetorician that laid the intellectual foundation for his later role as senior military secretary.
2. 527–534Carthage · MaghrebIn 527 Procopius became Belisarius's legal adviser and secretary (assessor), accompanying the war against Persia and witnessing the great victory at Dara in 530 and the Battle of Callinicum in 531. In 533 he again followed Belisarius to North Africa, witnessing the fall of the Vandal Kingdom. Recording military operations as an eyewitness, he gradually conceived his historical works.
3. 535–540Rome · LazioIn 535 Procopius entered Italy with Belisarius, taking part in the early campaigns of the Gothic War, including the capture of Naples and the defense of Rome in 537–538. During his time in Rome he extensively studied city ruins and political figures, accumulating rich first-hand material, and returned to Constantinople with the army around 540.
4. 545–570Constantinople · ThraceAfter returning to Constantinople, Procopius set about organizing his wartime experiences, writing the eight-book Wars (completed c. 553) detailing the wars against Persia, the Vandals, and the Goths. The Buildings (c. 554) praised Justinian's construction achievements. The Secret History anonymously and sharply criticized Justinian and Empress Theodora, perhaps written secretly late in life and circulated only after his death. After c. 565 no sources mention his activities.