The family of Flavius Magnus Aurelius Cassiodorus Senator (c. 485–c. 580 CE), originally from the East (Syria), is attested in Italy (Calabria) since the mid-5th century CE, where they built up a tradition of service in the administration of the western Roman Empire. Cassiodorus’ father had served under Odoacer before going over to Theoderic in 490 CE. His support seems to have been decisive in ensuring the local loyalty in Bruttium and Lucania, and he acted as Praetorian Prefect in circa 503/507 CE and as an advisor at court (Cassio. Var. 1.3.3–4; 3.28; Jones & Martindale, 1980, 264…