Procopious

• Procopious (c.325-366 CE) was a cousin of the Emperor Julian, a member of the Constantinian Dynasty, and one of Julian‘s senior officers.
• When Valens became co-Emperor with Valentinian I, he declared himself Emperor and ruled Constantinople with Thrace and Bithynia until defeated and executed in 366 CE.

Procopious escapes Arrest

• When Jovian replaced Julian as Emperor, Procopious retired to Caesarea Mazaca, in central Anatolia.
• In February 364 CE, Valentinian I and his brother Valens, became Co-Emperors. Concerned that Procopious represented a threat from the Constantinian Dynasty, they arrested Procopious. However, he escaped his captors and hid himself and his family on the Black Sea.

Proclaimed Emperor

• In February 365 CE, Procopious, unable to conceal himself safely, came out of hiding and paid two Legions to join his rebellion against Valens in the East.
• He proclaimed himself Emperor and ruled Constantinople, Thrace and Bithynia.

Battle of Thyatira (27 May 366 CE)

• Eventually, in 366 CE, Valens confronted Procopious’ army and defeated him at the Battle of Thyatira in Lydia.
• Procopious was executed on 27 May 366 CE.