Abstract
Early Egyptian monasticism is frequently equated with fantastic stories and achievements of the great Desert Fathers. Nathaniel, for example, never left his cell for thirty-seven years, and Dorotheus remained within his cell for sixty years. Both men were demonstrating their commitment to God, their willingness to embrace suffering, and their need to discipline themselves within the confines of the cell.1 The tales of mighty battles with demons?most vivid in the Life of Antony?and of austere asceticism?such as that of the young Zacharius who allowed his beautiful skin to be eaten away by natron in order to dispel rumors that he was sexually involved with his father?have become components of the metanarrative of Egyptian monasticism.2 Concerns about desire and sexual
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