Ascetics and Ambassadors of Christ: The Monasteries of Palestine, 314-631 (Oxford Early Christian Studies)

Providing the first study of the monastic movement to focus on Palestine during the Byzantine period, Ascetics and Ambassadors of Christ explores the fascinating world of the desert monasteries, which existed in Jerusalem, Egypt, and Syria, and which played a key role in Byzantine society. Known as the "desert fathers," they are well-known even today as landmarks in the history of Christian spirituality. This book uses contemporary sources to discuss both how the monks actually lived and their contribution to the doctrinal and spiritual debate.