In a bold and calculated move, Procopius, a Roman usurper, secured the loyalty of two legions that were initially passing through Constantinople. By offering bribes, he was able to turn these soldiers against their emperor and proclaim himself as the new ruler. Procopius's actions not only highlighted the fragility of imperial power but also exploited the political discontent that permeated throughout the empire at the time. With a significant military backing, he positioned himself as a viable alternative to Emperor Valens, whose reign was marked by internal strife and challenges to his authority.

Procopius, previously associated with the administration of Emperor Julian, took advantage of the existing tensions within the Roman military and bureaucracy. His proclamation as emperor was characterized by typical elements of usurpation—fulfillment of certain needs among the military, leveraging the dissatisfaction in the ranks of soldiers, and presenting himself as a figure of stability. While he initially enjoyed support, his reign was soon faced with challenges as rival factions emerged, leading to intense power struggles.

This proclamation set off a chain of events that would complicate the political landscape of the Eastern Roman Empire. Valens, acknowledging the threat posed by Procopius, had to divert his focus to suppress this uprising, which ultimately affected his handling of other threats, including ongoing conflicts with external enemies like the Goths. Procopius’s usurpation thus played a critical role in influencing the political decisions of the time.