Includes bibliographical references and index.

Preliminary material -- INTRODUCTION -- THE BIRTH AND GROWTH OF A MONASTIC CENTRE -- PETER THE IBERIAN AND THE ANTI-CHALCEDONIAN RESISTANCE IN PALESTINE -- PETER THE IBERIAN: IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MOSES -- THE INVISIBLE HOLY MEN: BARSANUPHIUS AND JOHN -- COUNSELING THROUGH ENIGMAS -- THE USEFULNESS OF SIN -- THE NECESSITY OF PENITENCE, BEAR ONE ANOTHER’S BURDENS (GAL. 6:2) -- SPIRITUAL EXERCISES: THE CONTINUOUS CONVERSATION OF THE MIND WITH GOD -- DAILY LIFE -- SOCIAL INTERACTION -- THE FATE OF THE ANTI-CHALCEDONIAN COMMUNITY -- CONCLUSION -- BIBLIOGRAPHY -- INDEX OF NAMES AND SUBJECTS.

Available to subscribing member institutions only.

This book studies one of the most striking chapters in the history of late antique monastic culture, provided by the monastic legacy of Gaza. A monastic intellectual community flourished in the region of Gaza from the fourth to the seventh century, producing a wealth of literary works. In this diverse and exciting literary corpus—especially in the unique correspondence between spiritual leaders and their clientele—matters that are usually only hinted at in monastic sources, are vividly portrayed. Distinct from the dry and matter-of-fact monastic instructions and the stereotypes of hagiography, this corpus exposes the psychological tensions, moods, frustrations, and elations in the daily existence of the monks, revealing them as creatures of flesh and blood. This book seeks to frame the historical development of this community and endeavours to analyze the spiritual and intellectual context of what may be termed the monastic school of Gaza. The legacy of this complex and thriving centre cuts across theological differences and boundaries. Shedding light on these neglected educated circles enhances and somewhat balances the overall historical picture of late antique ascetic culture and Palestinian Christianity.