Boethius was born in Rome to a very great and influential family. He was born sometime between 475 and 477 A.D.(Britannica 2006). This was about the time of the desposition of the last Roman Emperor Romulus Augustulus. His full name was Anicius Manlius Serverinus Boethius. When Boethius was a young child his father died and as a result He was adopted into the family of Symmachus. This was a great advantage to Boethius because this family was a greater family than his. In 495 A.D. He married Rusticiana who was Symmachus' daughter. Symmachus not only became his father in law, but was his friend up until Boethius was executed (Britannica 2006).
Due to the fact that Boethius was born to a great family, raised by a greater family and was born in Rome almost determined much of his life. He became involved in government affairs and was well educated.
Leaf a1r of an incunable edition of Boethius's De ...
Leaf pi1r of an incunable edition of Boethius's De...
Boethius imprisoned (from 1385 manuscript of the C...Boethius became a consul in 510 A.D. and his sons become consuls in 522 A.D. (Britannica 2006). The same year that his sons became consuls he accepted the position of Master of Offices. Before taking on this position Boethius was often given small tasks by Theodoric. He was given tasks such as constructing a water clock or sundial and he was also asked to look into financial malpractices. With his new title of Master of Offices he became one of the more important men who served as intermediary between the Gothic ruler and other officials (Britannica 2006).
Some think Boethius contributes accepting this position of leading to his execution. Boethius is known to have upstanding conduct. He was also known to defend the oppressed, and be hostile towards those involved in corruption. This attitude did not win the favor of those who were also involved in government affairs at the...