Agathias, a Byzantine writer of the 6th century, surnamed Scholasticus on account of his extensive legal knowledge, born in Myrina, in Asia Minor. He received his early education at Alexandria, and in 554 went to Constantinople, where he practised as an advocate and won renown as a poet and historian. Of his writings, about 90 poems are extant, as well as a history of the government of Justinian, which was intended for a continuation of Proeopius. It was first published in 1594, and afterward with Nie-buhr's amendments in 1828.