Boethius

Also: Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius

Born probably between 475 and 480, probably in Roma (now Rome, Italy). Died probably between 524 and 526, probably in Ticinum (now Pavia, Italy).

A Roman senator and scholar who served the Gothic king Theoderic. He wrote The Consolation of Philosophy in prison before he was put to death.

Wrote in Latin. A major author.

Places lived

480 to 522Roma (now Rome, Italy)senator and scholar, consul in 510years probable
522 to 523Ravenna, Italymaster of offices at the courtyears probable
523 to 525Ticinum (now Pavia, Italy)prisoneryears probable, place probable

2 works, in the order they were written. 2 works can be read here.

Theological Tractatesc. 512 to 522 · perhaps in Roma (now Rome, Italy) · treatiseFive short works that use logic on the Trinity and on Christ.19,331 words
The Consolation of Philosophy523 to 524 · probably in Ticinum (now Pavia, Italy) · dialogueA talk in prose and verse with Lady Philosophy, written while he waited for death.42,633 words

How we know the dates and places

Born probable: Scholars say about 480. See Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, 3rd ed. rev. (2005), 'Boethius'.
Place of birth probable: No ancient source says so; his family, the Anicii, was of Rome
Died probable: Anonymus Valesianus 85 to 87; Liber Pontificalis 55
Place of death probable: Anonymus Valesianus 87 ("in the Calventian estate"); the tradition of Pavia
Roma, years probable: Boethius, Consolation of Philosophy 2.3; Cassiodorus, Variae 1.45
Roma, place sure: Boethius, Consolation of Philosophy 2.3; Cassiodorus, Variae 1.45
Ravenna, years probable: Boethius, Consolation of Philosophy 1.4; Anonymus Valesianus 85
Ravenna, place sure: Boethius, Consolation of Philosophy 1.4; Anonymus Valesianus 85
Ticinum, years probable: Boethius, Consolation of Philosophy 1.4; Anonymus Valesianus 87
Ticinum, place probable: Boethius, Consolation of Philosophy 1.4; Anonymus Valesianus 87