Stylite
Type of Christian ascetic who lives on pillars / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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For the genus of plants, see Isoëtes.
A stylite (Ancient Greek: στυλίτης (stylitēs) 'pillar dweller', derived from στῦλος (stȳlos) 'pillar' and Classical Syriac: ܐܣܛܘܢܝܐ (ʼasṯonáyé)) or pillar-saint is a type of Christian ascetic who lives on pillars, preaching, fasting and praying. Stylites believe that the mortification of their bodies would help ensure the salvation of their souls. Stylites were common in the early days of the Byzantine Empire. The first known stylite was Simeon Stylites the Elder who climbed a pillar in Syria in 423 and remained there until his death 37 years later.