medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
From: Phyllis Jestice <[log in to unmask]>
> Paul the Hermit (d. c. 345) ....he fled to the desert---and decided he
liked it, so he didn't return to civilization, instead remaining in the desert
for the remaining 90 (!) years of his life.
perhaps not so extraordinary as it first appears.
longevity in Antiquity & the M.A. was mainly a matter of getting through
infancy and childhood, then of avoiding the obvious risks of professions like
miltary service and of living in plague-ridden, violent cities.
tuberculosis, particularly, was a major killer in the cities of the Roman
East; but somewhat rare in the Egyptian desert.
the column-siting saints of the East were frequently long-lived for the same
reason, up there above the squallor and pestilence.
a water supply severely tainted with lead was also rather hard on various
organs and best avoided.
lots of physical rigor, in a hot but otherwise not inhospitable environment,
and generally Clean Living were also probably a factor.
c
**********************************************************************
To join the list, send the message: join medieval-religion YOUR NAME
to: [log in to unmask]
To send a message to the list, address it to:
[log in to unmask]
To leave the list, send the message: leave medieval-religion
to: [log in to unmask]
In order to report problems or to contact the list's owners, write to:
[log in to unmask]
For further information, visit our web site:
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/medieval-religion.html
|