Social Aspects of Stylitism in the Late Antiquity

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the tradition of stylitism, which originated in the V century in Syria. This practice is poorly studied in Western historiography and practically not studied in Russian historical science. Stylitism was an ascetic practice, which consisted in the fact that stylites spent their lives being on a high stone pillar. The tradition of stylites lasted for a long time and enjoyed great respect. The beginning of this tradition can be associated with Simeon Stylites, who climbed the pillar for the first time in 415 A.D. As a phenomenon, stylitism developed over many centuries, starting from the V century and up to the XI century, with some interruptions, especially after 900 A.D. In historical science, when studying stylitism, the emphasis is traditionally placed on the extremity of this type asceticism. At the same time, almost no attention is paid to the fact that stylites conducted their practice publicly, openly, taking an active part in the life of the society around them. This article uses the approach of considering stylitismas a social phenomenon, showing the connection of the origin and existence of stylitism with social changes. Stylitismis presented as an original phenomenon reflecting the reaction of society to social crises. Based on the existing research, an attempt is being made to show that thanks to the publicity of their harsh practices, stylites were able to perform important administrative functions so necessary for the development of a late Antique society.