Therapeutae

Abstract The Therapeutae were a group of Jewish philosophers in the 1st century ce who lived in a community near Alexandria and cultivated a contemplative life dedicated to worship, ascetic practices, and allegorical interpretation of the Scriptures. Philo of Alexandria is our only witness, who was later cited by the Church Fathers, according to whom the Therapeutae were early Christians. The Therapeutae withdrew during the week to a monasterion, a single room, where they meditated to access the mysteries of truth. On the Sabbath they convened and heard a sermon by the head of the group. Two aspects of this group deserve special attention: (a) the presence of women as equal members, who were not only literate but also philosophically trained; (b) rejection of slavery based on the natural equality of humanity.