"In the process of the Christianization of the Roman Empire and the transformation of Graeco-Roman classical culture into established Christian tradition, this volume considers the rise of monasticism as one of the most significant developments. As institutionalized monasticism emerged in the fourth century and manifested itself in a variety of forms over the next hundred years, the burgeoning movement increasingly engaged the attention of both emperors and bishops. By the sixth century, monasteries, and their leaders, were important actors in imperial, state and local politics. Within the Christian community itself, monasteries rapidly became centers for the transmission and transformation of culture and literature - a role they gradually lost in the West in the medieval period, and in the East, only in the last century"--