He compiled the first history of the Councils, and, a matter more important, originated the computation of the Christian Era; for up to this time men had dated in the old way, by shadowy consulships and confusing Indictions.

There is happy probability that Cassiodorus lived out his life in peace; but the monastery did not long exist; like that of Benedict on Monte Cassino, it seems to have been destroyed by the Lombards, savages and Arians.

No trace of it remains.

But high up on the mountain is a church known as S.Maria de Vetere, a name indicating an ancient foundation, which perhaps was no other than the anchorite house of Castellense..