Procopius’ Belisarius

Lillington-Martin, Christopher 2025. Procopius’ Belisarius. Classica Cracoviensia 28 , pp. 193-238. 10.12797/CC.28.2025.28.10

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Abstract

This article re-evaluates the portrayal of Belisarius by Procopius and other sixth-century sources, not to uncover new biographical data but to trace the evolving representation of his authority, reputation, and career. While Belisarius’ life and military record are well known, the focus here is on how Procopius constructs, modulates, and at times destabilises his image across distinct literary genres and narrative contexts. The methodology lies in the integration of genre comparison (Wars, Buildings, Anekdota), reception layering across Procopius’ corpus, and a tripartite analysis of authority through gesture, strategic command scope, and political-theological framing.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > History, Archaeology and Religion
ISSN:	1505-8913
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	4 December 2025
Date of Acceptance:	22 May 2025
Last Modified:	11 Dec 2025 09:31
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/182914

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