Boethius, an early 6th century Roman senator, consul, and philosopher, was a prominent figure in public service under the rule of Ostrogothic King Theodoric the Great. Raised by Quintus Aurelius Memmius Symmachus, Boethius developed a passion for literature and philosophy from a young age. Throughout his career, he held various important positions, including the consulship during King Theodoric’s reign and eventually becoming the magister officiorum. Boethius was known for his scholarly pursuits, particularly his ambition to translate Aristotle’s complete works into Latin. However, his relationship with the king soured, leading to his imprisonment and subsequent execution. During his time in jail, he composed the renowned philosophical treatise ‘Consolation of Philosophy’, exploring themes of fortune, death, and other profound matters.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Boethius
- Died At Age: 47
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Elpis, Rusticana
- Father: Flavius Manlius Boetius
- Born Country: Italy
- Historians
- Philosophers
- Died on: October 23, 524
- Place of Death: Pavia, Italy
- Cause of Death: Execution
- City: Rome, Italy
Childhood & Early Life
Anicius Manlius Severinus Boëthius was born around 480 AD in Rome, Kingdom of Odoacer into the ancient Roman family of the Anicii. His father, Manlius Boethius, was appointed consul in 487 AD. However, his father died when Boethius was young and he was then adopted and raised by Quintus Aurelius Memmius Symmachus, an aristocrat known to his father. Boethius received a good education from his foster father, who also instilled in him a deep love for literature and philosophy. Little is known about his formal education, but some scholars believe that he was educated in the East as he was fluent in Greek.
Career
Boethius entered the service of Theodoric the Great at a young age and became a senator by the time he was 25. He held several important positions during Theodoric’s reign and was known for his intellectual pursuits. He had a dream to translate into Latin the complete works of Aristotle with commentary and all the works of Plato. He started working on the translations during the 500s and also wrote commentaries on Aristotle’s works. He continued to enjoy power and prestige in his public career until he fell from favor in 523 AD. He was arrested and sentenced to death by Theodoric the Great.
Major Works
Boethius is best known for his work ‘Consolation of Philosophy’, which he wrote during his imprisonment as he awaited his execution. The work is presented in the form of an imaginary dialogue between himself and philosophy, personified as a woman. He also translated several of Aristotle’s works, and his translations of Aristotle’s works on logic were the only significant portions of Aristotle available in Latin Christendom from the sixth century until the 12th century.
Personal Life & Legacy
Boethius married Rusticiana, the daughter of his foster father. They had two sons, Symmachus and Boethius, who followed in their father’s footsteps and became consuls. Boethius was arrested on charges of conspiracy to overthrow the king and was executed in 524 AD after a year of imprisonment. He was recognized as a martyr for the Catholic faith and declared a saint by the Sacred Congregation of Rites in 1883.