Procopius (usurper)

Procopius (Greek Prokopios Προκόπιος, * 326 in Corycus, † May 27 366) was a Roman nobleman who had proclaimed himself 365 to the anti-emperor Valens.

Life

Procopius was born and raised in Corycus in Cilicia. He came from a distinguished family, the - was related to the imperial family - probably about the mother of Procopius. Under Constantius II ( 337-361 ), he initially notarius and then rose to the tribunes. After the death of Constantius was Emperor Julian, a man to whom Procopius was especially connected through a closer relationship. This appointed him comes.

Procopius took 363 at Julian's campaign against the Sassanids in part. In Julian's death, there were rumors that he had intended to make Procopius in case of death to his successor. But when Jovian was elected by the Roman army, Procopius popped out of fear for his life under. Most modern researchers doubt that Procopius of Julian was intended as a successor, because no act of the Emperor points in this direction. The ancient historians give different representations to Procopius ' life in secret, but agree that he was not finally re-emerged at Chalcedon in front of the house of Senator Strategius, hunger and suffering of the ongoing events in the picture to the public.

At this time, Jovian had already died, and Valentinian I shared the imperial dignity with his brother Valens. Procopius managed two legions who are just engaged in Constantinople Opel to win for his efforts - a decisive was undoubtedly his relationship with the former imperial house, because the Roman soldiers speak to the dynastic principle traditionally great importance. Shortly afterwards, on 28 September 365, he had proclaimed himself Emperor and had quickly the province of Thrace and Bithynia and later on his side.

The following year, it came to open battle: The guided by General Gomoarius troops of the usurper, including probably caused also to help Goths, met at Thyatria on the emperor's army. Valens emerged victorious from the battle and Procopius had to flee. In Nakoleia he was placed with his remaining followers, defeated and taken prisoner. Valens let his adversary to death on 27 May 366. Also Procopius ' trailer Marcellus, who had seized even after the purple, was executed shortly afterwards.

A great-grandson of Procopius, Anthemius, was 467-472 Emperor of the West Roman Empire.