The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · Character
John of Lycopolis
Also known as the holy John, Egyptian monk John
- Minor
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 126
This holy monk carries the weight of fifty years without opening his door or seeing a woman, his emaciated form and miraculous reputation suggesting a life of extreme asceticism and spiritual power.
- Gender
- male
- Age
- Elderly adult
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 126
- Books
- 1
John of Lycopolis was a holy Egyptian monk who constructed his cell on the summit of a lofty mountain near Lycopolis, dwelling there for fifty years without opening his door, seeing a woman, or eating cooked food. Five days weekly he devoted to prayer, giving audience only on Saturdays and Sundays. His reputation for miracles and knowledge of futurity made him a figure of spiritual authority consulted by emperors.
Description
John of Lycopolis presents as an elderly Egyptian monk with an emaciated build resulting from fifty years of extreme asceticism. His hermit appearance is marked by his cell constructed on a mountain summit near Lycopolis, his lifestyle of never opening his door or seeing women, and his five days weekly devoted to prayer. His miraculous reputation and gift of prophecy mark him as a figure of spiritual power.
Story so far
BOOK 1The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire / Table of Contents with links in the HTML file to the two Project Gutenberg editions (12 volumes)
Appearances
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