c. 251 – 700 AD

Anthony the Great

251 – 356 AD

Egyptian Desert

Overview

"Father of Monks." Abandoned society to live in the desert, inspiring the monastic movement.

Lived to 105; his life story by Athanasius was a "best-seller" in the 4th century.

Seven letters widely regarded by many scholars as authentic, to his monastic disciples.

The ascetics and poets of the desert.

4 Church Fathers in this era

Part of The Syriac & Desert Fathers