Archaeologists Discover Rare Byzantine Burial of Female Ascetic in Chains

Archaeologists near Jerusalem have uncovered a remarkable Byzantine-era burial that reveals a woman buried with heavy metal chains in the fifth century. The grave, located in a series of crypts at the Khirbat el-Masani monastery, challenges previous assumptions about ascetic practices linked to female figures in religious traditions, as noted by the Israel Antiquities Authority.

Initially believed to be male, further study indicated the individual was likely female, aged between 30 and 60 years at the time of death. The research team utilized peptide analysis from the person's tooth enamel, confirming the presence of female genetic markers. Study co-author Elisabetta Boaretto remarked that while the use of chains among male ascetics is documented, it is rare for women, making this discovery particularly significant.

Female ascetics are known from historical texts but often practiced their spirituality through less extreme means such as prayer and meditation. This discovery illustrates the diverse expressions of religious devotion in the early Christian era, as chains are seen as tools that restricted physical movements to enhance spiritual focus.