Isidore was born ca 560 in 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 years 579-600/601 AD. After the death of Leander, Isidore became the bishop of Seville, and he held this office to 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 those were famous Etymologies. Isidore was writing them probably from 621 AD up to his death in 636. Approximately in 620 (thus long before completion of his work) he wrote a dedicatory letter to king Sisebut (612-621 AD), edited as Letter VI by Lindsey 1911 (unnumbered page in section `Praemissa`. For more detailed introduction to the character of this work and historical background see Introduction with bibliography in Barney et al. 2006.