Symmachus was the bishop of Rome from 498 until his death in 514. Born in Sardinia, he rose through the ranks of the Roman Church to serve as archdeacon under Pope Anastasius II before his election to the papacy. His leadership was defined by a significant period of internal conflict and schism involving competing claims to the papal throne. Despite facing intense political pressure and accusations from dissenting factions, he maintained his position through several synods and the mediation of the Ostrogothic King Theodoric the Great.