About the Author
Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius (ca. AD 475-525) was born in Rome to an eminent aristocratic family whose members included two Roman emperors. When his father died, Boethius was adopted by the powerful, cultured, and noble family of Symmachus. He gradually ascended to political power, with the political pinnacle occurring with his appointment as Magister Officiorum or “Master of Offices.” Shortly after his appointment, Boethius was tried and found guilty in absentia for treason. He was put to death, not before, however, having finished the work for which he is most famous.
