Monasticism, Christian
Luke Dysinger
Christian monasticism, understood as a way of life characterized by prayer, withdrawal from society, celibacy, and dispossession goods, first attained prominence in Egypt toward the end third century. Earlier antecedents certainly existed but are only faintly discernible patristic allusions early monastic biographies. Ignatius Antioch (d. ca. 107) Hippolytus (c. 215) mention communities “virgins called widows,” celibate women committed to prayer service. Whatever their origins, these feminine models proto-monasticism were sufficiently organized established middle century that Antony (ca. 251–356), revered founder “father monks,” could entrust his young sister care before embarking on own ascetical career around year 270.
The Encyclopedia of Ancient History