The Apophthegmata Patrum consists of collections of sayings attributed to fourth and fifth century Christian monks, primarily in Egypt. Originating as oral traditions, these “sayings of the fathers” were compiled and written down during the fifth and sixth centuries in Palestine. As the introduction to the Alphabetical Collection explains, the traditions were recorded to provide models for later monks who wished to imitate early ascetics. The Apophthegmata has informed Christian monastic spirituality and practice from the Late Antique period to modernity, influencing figures from Benedict of Nursia to Thomas Merton.