Saint Anthony the Great

Saint Anthony the Great, also known as Anthony of Egypt and Anthony the Hermit (c. 12 January 251 – 17 January 356), was a Christian monk from Egypt who played a significant role in the development of Christian monasticism. Born during the early years of Christianity's persecution under Roman rule, Anthony is distinguished from other saints named Anthony by various epithets: Anthony of Egypt, Anthony the Abbot, Anthony of the Desert, Anthony the Anchorite, and Anthony of Thebes. His life story was chronicled by Athanasius of Alexandria in a biography that helped to spread the concept of Christian monasticism, particularly in Western Europe through its Latin translations. Anthony is often erroneously considered the first Christian monk, but his biography and other sources make clear that there were many ascetics before him. However, he was among the first known to go into the wilderness around AD 270, which contributed significantly to his renown. Accounts of Anthony enduring supernatural temptation during his sojourn in the Eastern Desert of Egypt inspired the depiction of his temptations in visual art and literature.