Monastic Lives

This chapter focuses on biographies of monks. The works commemorating the deeds of monks lack many features which are typical of a bios; if they nonetheless approximate more closely to the pagan model, the reason may be that—in contrast to the martyrs of old, the apostles, the prince of theologians, and the first Christian emperor—the ascetic of current or recent times was sufficiently like the reader to be taken as an exemplar. Indeed, it would appear that the Life of Antony and the works that it inspired were always intended to excite not only wonder but also emulation. Antony is depicted in the Life as an eloquent mouthpiece of the Nicene faith, unmoved by the sophistries of its opponents. The chapter also considers Pachomius, the founder of the cenobitic life. The ancient Lives of Pachomius concede the historical precedence of Antony, but only to add authority to his confession that the younger saint has chosen the better way.