The Buildings
On Buildings (in Medieval Greek: Περὶ κτισμάτων, in Latin: De aedificiis) is a work by the Byzantine historian Procopius, dedicated to the Emperor Justinian I's (r. 527–565) construction activities. Due to its subject matter and the wealth of information it contains, this treatise holds a unique place in Byzantine literature. On Buildings is a valuable compilation of information about construction activity around the Mediterranean region in the 6th century. Some cities mentioned in the work are known only from this text, and no other document has survived. It is believed that the work was commissioned or ordered by the reigning emperor to glorify his achievements.
Alongside Procopius' two other works, The History of the Wars and The Secret History, On Buildings forms part of a unique triptych comprising history, pamphlet, and panegyric, all centered on the same figure. The relationship between the historian's personal worldview and the necessity of presenting reality in a manner favorable to Justinian is one of the most debated issues in Byzantine historiography of this period. The absolute and relative dating of Procopius' works and their interconnections spark significant scholarly discussion. The genre of On Buildings and its place in the literary tradition are also subjects of study. As far as Procopius' texts are often the only surviving sources for Justinian's reign, the historian's attitude toward the emperor's personality and activities.
The work is divided into six books of different length, each dedicated to Justinian's achievements across different parts of his vast Byzantine Empire. After a brief introduction, the text describes the capital, Constantinople, with the first book focusing primarily on its ecclesiastical architecture. The second book covers fortifications in Mesopotamia, while the third addresses those in Byzantine Armenia. The fourth book lists fortresses and other military structures on the Balkan Peninsula. The fifth book details buildings constructed or restored in Asia Minor and Palestine. The sixth book is devoted to Byzantine Egypt, Cyrenaica, Tripolitania, and other provinces of Byzantine North Africa.
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