The article considers the question of the literary self-portrait created by Flavius Cassiodorus and how it influenced the formation of the myth about himself in the science of the XIX—XX centuries. The article analyzes three main components of this myth. First, it is shown that it was important for Cassiodorus to show himself as a representative of an ancient Roman family and a devotee of Roman aristocratic traditions, including associating the glory of a kind with public service and literary pursuits. Secondly, it briefly examines his understanding of his own place in the political life of the Ostrogothic kingdom. Particularly, it shows how Cassiodorus turns himself into an important figure at the court of the Ostrogothic kings. Thirdly, the image of Cassiodorus as the creator of the Vivarium and the theorist of education is analyzed. All three components of Cassiodorus’s self-presentation allow us to see in him an outstanding late antique rhetorician who constructs his portrait in the eyes of his contemporaries and descendants. At the same time, it is shown how often this portrait turns out to be far from reality.
Reference to article:
Tyulenev V. M. Cassiodorus: a man who created a myth about himself // Ivanovo State University Bulletin. Series «The Humanities». 2021. No.3. P. 89–97.