The Man Who Lived on a Pillar for 37 Years: The Bizarre Story of Saint Simeon Stylites
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The Man Who Lived on a Pillar for 37 Years: The Bizarre Story of Saint Simeon Stylites
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About this listen
Meet Simeon Stylites, history's most extreme hermit who took social distancing to unprecedented levels. In 5th-century Syria, this Christian ascetic climbed atop a stone pillar and refused to come down for nearly four decades, creating one of the strangest religious movements in human history.
Discover how a simple monk's quest for spiritual purity turned into a medieval spectacle that attracted thousands of pilgrims, inspired countless imitators, and left historians scratching their heads for centuries. From his death-defying daily routines 60 feet in the air to the bizarre logistics of eating, sleeping, and surviving on a platform smaller than most bathrooms, Simeon's story defies belief.
This episode of Weird History explores the psychology behind extreme religious devotion, the medieval pilgrimage industry that grew around living saints, and how one man's radical lifestyle choice influenced Christianity for generations. We'll uncover the surprising political power wielded by this pillar-dwelling hermit and examine the archaeological evidence that proves this incredible tale actually happened.