Cassiodorus

Flavius Magnus Aurelius Cassiodorus Senator (c. 485 – c. 585), commonly known as Cassiodorus, was a Roman statesman and writer, serving in the administration of the Ostrogothic Kingdom. He is best remembered for his substantial contribution to the preservation of Latin literature and the knowledge of the ancient Roman world as well as for founding the Vivarium, a monastery in southern Italy that emphasized education and the preservation of classical texts.

Life

Cassiodorus was born in Scylletium, near Catanzaro, in what is now Calabria, Italy. He came from a distinguished background, with his family holding significant political influence. Cassiodorus served under the Ostrogothic king Theodoric the Great, initially as quaestor sacri palatii, later as consul in 514, and finally as magister officiorum. After Theodoric's death, he continued to serve under his successors, playing a key role in the administration of the Ostrogothic Kingdom in Italy.

In his later years, Cassiodorus turned to a monastic life and founded the Vivarium monastery on his family estate. This institution was dedicated to the preservation of classical literature and knowledge. He spent the remainder of his life at the Vivarium, focusing on religious and scholarly pursuits.

Works

Cassiodorus's literary contributions are vast and varied, including works on theology, history, and letters. His most notable works include the Variae, a collection of letters and documents that provide valuable insights into the political and social life of the Ostrogothic kingdom, and the Institutiones Divinarum et Saecularium Litterarum, which outlines a program of religious and secular studies for the monks at the Vivarium. This work is significant for its role in the preservation of classical texts and the promotion of learning in the Middle Ages.

Legacy

Cassiodorus's efforts in founding the Vivarium and his emphasis on the importance of preserving classical literature had a lasting impact on the intellectual life of the Middle Ages. His work helped to ensure that the knowledge of the ancient world was not lost during a time of great upheaval in Europe. Cassiodorus is often credited with laying the groundwork for the Carolingian Renaissance, a period of cultural and intellectual revival in Europe.

See Also

• Theodoric the Great
• Ostrogothic Kingdom
• Latin literature
• Medieval education