Question

Approximately when did the monastic movement begin?

Late first century.
Late second century.
Late third century.
Late fourth century.
Late fifth century.

Answer 1

Late third century.

Reason: Christian monasticism began in Egypt with the Desert Fathers in the late 200s (e.g., Paul of Thebes and Antony's withdrawal c. 270s–300s), with organized cenobitic communities (Pachomius) forming in the early 4th century.