Isidore of Seville

Also: Isidorus Hispalensis

Born probably between 556 and 562; the place is not known. Died in 636, in Hispalis (now Seville, Spain).

Bishop of Seville in Visigothic Spain. His Etymologies gathered the learning of the ancient world into one book that schools used for centuries.

Wrote in Latin. A major author.

Places lived

600 to 636Hispalis (now Seville, Spain)bishopyears probableHe grew up at Seville under his brother Leander, the bishop before him. He became bishop between 599 and 601.

4 works, in the order they were written. 1 work can be read here.

Sentencesc. 612 to 633 · probably in Hispalis (now Seville, Spain) · treatiseThree books of short statements on doctrine and morals.not yet on the site
Chronicle615 to 626 · probably in Hispalis (now Seville, Spain) · historyA short history of the world in six ages, from the Creation to his own time.not yet on the site
Etymologiesc. 615 to 636 · probably in Hispalis (now Seville, Spain) · encyclopediaAn encyclopedia of all knowledge in twenty books.53,948 words
History of the Kings of the Goths, Vandals and Suevic. 619 to 626 · probably in Hispalis (now Seville, Spain) · historyA short history of the Goths, Vandals and Suevi in Spain.not yet on the site

How we know the dates and places

Born probable: Scholars say about 560. See Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, 3rd ed. rev. (2005), 'Isidore'.
Place of birth not known: No ancient source names a place. His family left Cartagena about the time of his birth; Cartagena or Seville.
Died sure: Redemptus, On the Death of Isidore (4 April 636)
Place of death sure: Redemptus, On the Death of Isidore
Hispalis, years probable: Ildefonsus of Toledo, On Illustrious Men 8, which is chapter 9 in the old edition of Migne (bishop almost forty years); Braulio, List of the Books of Isidore
Hispalis, place sure: Ildefonsus of Toledo, On Illustrious Men 8, which is chapter 9 in the old edition of Migne (bishop almost forty years); Braulio, List of the Books of Isidore