History of the Wars, Volume II

Procopius, born at Caesarea in Palestine late in the 5th century, became a lawyer. In 527 CE, he was made legal adviser and secretary of Belisarius, commander against the Persians. He accompanied Belisarius again in 533 against the Vandals and in 535 against the Ostrogoths. Sometime after 540, he returned to Constantinople. He may have been the Procopius who was prefect of Constantinople in 562, but the date of his death (after 558) is unknown.

Procopius's History of the Wars in eight books recounts the Persian Wars of Emperors Justinus and Justinian down to 550 (two books); the Vandalic War and after-events in Africa 532–546 (two books); the Gothic War against the Ostrogoths in Sicily and Italy 536–552 (three books); and provides a sketch of events up to 554 (one book). The work consists largely of military history, with much information about peoples, places, and special events. Procopius was a diligent, careful, and judicious narrator of facts and developments, demonstrating good powers of description. He is just towards the empire's enemies and boldly criticises Emperor Justinian.

Other works by Procopius include the Anecdota or Secret History—vehement attacks on Justinian, Theodora, and others; and The Buildings of Justinian (down to 558 CE), which cover roads and bridges as well as churches, forts, hospitals, and other structures throughout various parts of the empire.

The Loeb Classical Library edition of Procopius is available in seven volumes.