Isidore was born ca 560 probably in Cartagena, but later he moved with his family to Seville where he was educated under the supervision of his brother Leander, bishop of Seville in the years 579-600/601. After Leander`s death, Isidore became the bishop of Seville, and he held this office until his death in 636. Isidore was a scholar and prolific writer. Braulio, bishop of Saragossa (631-651 AD) compiled a list of all Isidore`s writings - Renotatio librorum domini Isidori (ed. Martin 2006). One of Isidore`s most famous works was the Etymologies. Isidore was writing them probably from 621 up to his death in 636. In approximately 620 (thus long before completion of his work) he wrote a dedicatory letter to King Sisebut (612-621), edited as Letter VI by Lindsey 1911 (unnumbered page in section "Praemissa"). For a more detailed introduction to the character of this work and historical background see Introduction with bibliography in Barney et al. 2006.