Archaeologists Unearth Ascetic Nun’s Remains in Byzantine Monastery

Remarkable Discovery of Ascetic Nun’s Remains in Israel

In a stunning archaeological find, the remains of a nun known for her extreme asceticism have been uncovered in Israel. Dubbed “The Nun of the Rings,” her skeleton was discovered beneath the altar of a Byzantine monastery, active from the fifth to the seventh centuries AD.

The woman’s body was uniquely bound with numerous rings: a dozen on her arms and hands, four encircling her neck, and at least ten around her legs. Additionally, her stomach was shielded with iron plates, attached to these rings, suggesting a rigorous form of ascetic practice.

This practice, aimed at achieving spiritual elevation through the denial of physical comfort or the infliction of pain, is well-documented in historical texts, but this marks the first tangible archaeological proof. Her solitary burial under the monastery altar hints at the high regard in which she was held.

The tradition of binding the body with chains is thought to have originated in northern Syria, later spreading to regions such as Asia Minor, England, and France. The fifth-century “Historia Religiosa” by Theodoret of Cyrrhus recounts the tale of Marana and Cyra, who bound their bodies with chains for 42 years.

Other ascetic practices of the time included forms of self-imprisonment, carrying heavy weights, enduring sleep deprivation, extended fasting, living in harsh outdoor conditions, and in extreme instances, self-immolation or confronting dangerous animals.

Eli Escusido, the Director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, remarked on the significance of the find, stating, “We have here a fascinating discovery, which will require continued research by our researchers at the Israel Antiquities Authority, in order to better understand the role of women in religious life and nunhood in that historical period.”