Showing results by author "Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius" in All Categories

Consolation of Philosophy (Latin Consolatio Philosophiae) is a profound philosophical work by Boethius, penned around 524 AD. Often hailed as the most significant and influential text in medieval and early Renaissance Christianity, it represents the final great work of Classical thought. Written during Boethius year of imprisonment while awaiting trial and a tragic execution for treason by the Ostrogothic King Theodoric the Great, this book emerges from his devastating fall from power due to betrayal. Through his reflections on the fickleness of fortune and the betrayal of friends, Boethius ...

Charged with treason under Theodoric the Great in sixth-century Rome, Boethius served one year's imprisonment, awaiting trial and eventual execution. During this time, he wrote The Consolation of Philosophy, which would go on to be one of the most popular philosophical works of all time, contributing much to medieval thought and influencing the likes of Dante and Chaucer, as well as Renaissance writers, such as Milton and Shakespeare.

The Consolation of Philosophy is one of the key works in the rich tradition of Western philosophy, partly because of the circumstances in which it was written. Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius (c480-c524) was of aristocratic Roman birth and became consul and then master of offices at Ravenna, one of the highest posts under the Ostrogothic Roman ruler Theodoric. But Boethius was unjustly charged with treason in 524, and this led to house arrest, then torture and execution.