Archaeologists Discover First Evidence of Ascetic Nuns in Jerusalem

Archaeologists in Israel have discovered the world’s first archaeological evidence of extreme asceticism practiced by nuns, with the remains of a woman found bound in heavy chains at a Byzantine monastery from the 5th to 7th centuries AD. Dubbed 'The Nun of the Rings', her skeleton was uncovered beneath a church altar, suggesting she was held in high esteem within her community. The woman had 12-14 rings around her arms, four around her neck, and at least ten on her legs, with iron plates on her stomach, giving her skeleton an armored appearance. This practice of binding was not seen as torture but rather as a voluntary act of self-flagellation aimed at achieving spiritual ascendance, which aligns with historical writings about early Christian asceticism. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about the role of women in religious life during this period and highlights a form of extreme self-discipline that was also seen among monks. Researchers emphasize that this finding opens new avenues for understanding the religious practices of women in early Byzantine society.