Procopius was a Byzantine historian known for his work The Secret History, offering critical perspectives on Emperor Justinian's reign. His vivid accounts provide valuable insights into Byzantine politics and society.
If you enjoy reading books by Procopius then you might also like the following authors:
Ammianus Marcellinus offers a vivid account of Roman history, blending insightful critique with detailed narrative. His background as a soldier gives his histories a practical and realistic perspective.
If you enjoyed Procopius's clear and engaging descriptions, you'll appreciate Ammianus's work, especially Res Gestae, which covers the turbulent period of the late Roman Empire and the personalities shaping it.
Agathias writes history with a thoughtful, balanced approach. Like Procopius, he provides a detailed view of war and politics in the Byzantine Empire, often highlighting human motivations.
In his book, Histories, he continues where Procopius left off, chronicling the ongoing conflicts of Emperor Justinian's successors.
Menander Protector writes in a direct, clear style that makes diplomatic history accessible and interesting. He covers the late sixth century Byzantine Empire, concentrating especially on diplomatic relations, treaties, and negotiations.
Check out his preserved work, History, if you enjoyed Procopius’s attention to diplomacy and political maneuvering.
Theophylact Simocatta provides a thorough historical account with an emphasis on character and leadership. His narrative is sharp, insightful, and sometimes colorful, much like Procopius’s style.
His best-known book, Histories, focuses on the reign of Emperor Maurice, offering lively portrayals of events and individuals during this transitional phase in Byzantine history.
Jordanes writes with clarity and focus, effectively capturing the tumultuous times of late antiquity. Like Procopius, he blends historical fact with close attention to barbarian interactions and cultural shifts.
His prominent work, Getica, provides a fascinating history of the Goths, valuable to anyone interested in the forces reshaping the late Roman and early Byzantine worlds.
Gregory of Tours offers a vivid look at Merovingian Gaul through his book, History of the Franks. He combines storytelling and historical detail, blending political events with religious themes.
Readers will appreciate his lively writing style and attention to the daily conflicts and personalities of his era.
In Variae, Cassiodorus provides a glimpse into the workings of early sixth-century Italy under Gothic rule. His style is formal and meticulous, balancing bureaucratic detail with a human touch.
Those who enjoy the way Procopius focused on rulers and their administrations might find Cassiodorus similarly engaging.
Evagrius Scholasticus is known for his Ecclesiastical History, which covers the Church from the Council of Ephesus to his own time. His clear and concise style combines political history with theological controversies, highlighting the role religion played in shaping events.
Readers who appreciate Procopius's blending of politics, religion, and social issues will find Evagrius appealing.
Zosimus, in his work New History, gives a critical and alternative perspective on the decline of the Roman Empire. His style is straightforward and often critical of the decisions and figures of his time, contrasting traditional Roman values with contemporary decline.
Readers interested in Procopius's careful attention to political decline and critical commentary may enjoy Zosimus.
Priscus provides detailed and valuable firsthand observations in his work, History of Byzantium and the Huns. He writes in a clear, engaging manner, describing his diplomatic travels and meetings, like his famous account of Attila the Hun.
Fans of Procopius who enjoyed vivid eyewitness accounts blended with historical events will appreciate Priscus's approach.
John Malalas was a Byzantine chronicler whose history offers a broad account of world events and Byzantine affairs. His work, Chronographia, combines historical facts with popular folklore and legends. Malalas's straightforward narrative style makes him an accessible read.
Readers drawn to Procopius's sweeping historical accounts might enjoy Malalas's perspective on Byzantine history and culture.
Michael Psellos was a Byzantine philosopher and historian who brought insight and analysis to historical writing.
In his book, Chronographia, Psellos vividly portrays Byzantine emperors and court politics, giving readers a behind-the-scenes look at power struggles and character flaws.
Fans of Procopius's sharp observations on rulers and politics would likely find Psellos's sharp and personal narrative appealing.
Anna Komnene was a Byzantine princess and historian known for her detailed and elegant historical account, The Alexiad.
She documents her father's reign, Emperor Alexios I Komnenos, praising his military skill and diplomatic wisdom while depicting court intrigue and challenges from outside threats.
Readers who appreciate Procopius's engaging descriptions and attention to political and military matters will find Anna Komnene's writings similarly fascinating.
Niketas Choniates was a Byzantine historian whose work chronicles the fall of Constantinople to the Crusaders in 1204. His notable book, History, vividly captures the tragedy and chaos of Byzantium's decline, providing valuable historical insights combined with emotional depth.
Like Procopius, Niketas offers readers vivid narratives and critical insights into political tensions and pivotal historical events.
George Akropolites was a Byzantine historian and statesman who wrote about events of the 13th-century Byzantine Empire. In Annals, Akropolites narrates the complicated events surrounding the Empire of Nicaea and the recovery of Constantinople.
His clear, concise style and insightful commentary make his history engaging. Readers who value Procopius's analytical and detailed chronicling will appreciate Akropolites's precise style and informative perspective on Byzantine political transitions.