The several kinds of female asceticism observed in the Roman Empire during the first three centuries A.D. will be gathered in a new religious experience that begins around 270 A.D.: the monasticism. Throughout the analysis of the Lausiac History, written by Palladius, bishop of Hellenopolis, in Bitinia, we aim at researching about the female ascetics social position and their actions as monastic movement members. Besides, we reflect over the kind of power women could exercise in their local communities compared with the holy men.
Late Roman Empire; Palladius; Female Asceticism
