Procopius

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A prominent Byzantine historian known for his detailed accounts of the reign of Emperor Justinian and the Gothic Wars
2. An author of works that include "The Secret History," providing an insider's perspective on the political intrigues of his era
3. A key figure in early historical scholarship, whose writings help shape the understanding of late ancient history and Byzantium's development

Etymology: Procopius is a name rather than a common word, and the name itself carries a meaning. It comes from ancient Greek "prokopē," which meant progress or advancement, especially advancement toward prosperity, success, or improvement through diligent effort. Greek personal names were often built from such aspirational terms, and "Prokopios" was one of them, passing into Koine Greek as a given name. The name reached Latin as "Procopius," with the Latin ending "-ius" standing in for the Greek "-ios." That is why the form looks Latinized, even though its roots lie in Greek. In English it is used, as here, for a historical person: the sixth-century Byzantine historian Procopius of Caesarea, whose works on the wars of Justinian's reign remain a major source for the period.

Synonyms: procopius of caesarea