Procopius (usurper) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Procopius
Solidus coin of Procopius
Roman emperor (usurper)
Reign	28 September 365 – 27 May 366 (against Valens)
Predecessor	Valens and Valentinian I
Successor	Valens and Valentinian I
Born	326 Cilicia (modern-day Turkey)
Died	27 May 366 (aged 40)
Wife	Artemisia
Issue	Procopius
Mother	Sister of Basilina

Procopius (born in 326 – died May 27, 366) was a Roman leader who tried to take over the role of Roman emperor from Valens. This made him a "usurper," which means someone who takes power illegally.

Who Was Procopius?

Early Life and Family

Procopius was born around the year 326 in a place called Cilicia, which is in modern-day Turkey. He was related to another famous Roman emperor, Julian, as they were cousins. Procopius was likely married to a woman named Artemisia. His family line continued, and some of his descendants also became important figures in the Roman Empire, including a general named Procopius and later, an emperor named Anthemius.

Working for the Empire

For a long time, Procopius worked as a trusted official for Emperor Constantius II. He held the title of tribunus et notarius, which meant he was a high-ranking officer and a secretary. This job helped him learn a lot about how the Roman government worked. It also allowed him to make many important friends and connections. In 358, the emperor trusted him so much that he sent Procopius on a special mission to the Sassanid kingdom, a powerful empire to the east.

Joining Emperor Julian's Army

Procopius later joined Emperor Julian's team and went with him on a big military campaign against the Sassanids in 363. During this war, Procopius was given a very important job. He and another general were put in charge of 30,000 soldiers. Their mission was to control the upper part of the Tigris River and try to meet up with the King of Armenia. From there, they were supposed to march south and join Julian's main army.

After Julian's Death

Sadly, Emperor Julian died during this campaign. When Procopius finally reached the main Roman army, he found a new emperor, Jovian, in charge. There was a rumor that Julian had wanted Procopius to become emperor if he died. Because of this, Procopius was afraid that Jovian would be angry with him. So, he went into hiding for a while. Later, he helped transport Julian's body for burial. After that, he went to a city called Caesarea with his family.

Hiding from the New Emperors

After Jovian died, two new emperors, Valentinian I and Valens, took power. They sent soldiers to arrest Procopius. He gave himself up, but he asked to see his family one last time. While his captors were eating and drinking, Procopius saw his chance. He managed to escape with his family. They first fled to the Black Sea and then to a place called the Tauric Chersonese, where they tried to stay hidden. However, Procopius was always worried about being caught. He decided to go to Constantinople, the capital city, to ask for help from a friend named Strategius.

Procopius Becomes Emperor

Taking Control of Constantinople

When Procopius arrived in Constantinople, he noticed that many people were unhappy with Emperor Valens' policies. Valens' father-in-law, Petronius, was making things difficult for the people. Seeing this discontent, Procopius decided to try and become emperor himself. He secretly paid two Roman legions (large groups of soldiers) who were resting in Constantinople to support him. With their help, he took control of the imperial city.

Gaining Support

On September 28, 365, Procopius officially declared himself Emperor. He quickly gained control of nearby areas like Thrace and Bithynia. Procopius presented himself as a smart and educated philosopher who spoke Greek well, which was important in the Eastern Roman Empire. He pointed out that Valens was not as good at speaking Greek to gain support from the wealthy people in the East. He also showed his connection to the famous Constantinian family. He appeared in public with Faustina, the widow of Emperor Constantius II, and her daughter Constantia. This act made many people support him even more.

Defeat and Death

At first, Emperor Valens was very worried about Procopius's rebellion. He even thought about making a deal with him. But Valens soon gathered his strength, listening to the advice of his generals. Valens's generals were more skilled, and they won two important battles against Procopius's forces.

Procopius fled the battlefield and became a fugitive, hiding in the wild areas of Phrygia. But he was soon betrayed by two of his own generals. They handed him over to Valens. On May 27, 366, Valens ordered Procopius to be executed by beheading. Procopius's head was then sent to Valens's older brother and co-emperor, Valentinian I.

See also

In Spanish: Procopio (usurpador) para niños

• List of Roman usurpers