Monks, Martyrs, and Masculinity: Rethinking Christian Authority in Early Islamic Palestine

This article seeks to reassess monasticism within Abbasid Palestine, arguing that monasteries experienced decline and insecurity in the eighth and ninth centuries. It focuses on the Life of Stephen of Mar Sabas by Leontios of Damascus, arguing that Leontios feels compelled to defend monasticism from accusations of irrelevance within Islamic society. It also argues for a new interpretation of the Melkite neo-martyrologies associated with Mar Sabas, suggesting that these texts sought to consolidate monastic identities at a time of crisis. They redefine martyrdom as a monastic practice, and in the process narrow the bounds of martyrdom, excluding women.