stylite

A stylite (Ancient Greek: στυλίτης (stylitēs) "pillar dweller", derived from στῦλος (stȳlos) "pillar" and Classical Syriac: ܐܣܛܘܢܝܐ (astˁonāyā)) or pillar-saint is a type of Christian ascetic who lives on pillars, preaching, fasting and praying. Stylites believe that the mortification of their bodies would help ensure the salvation of their souls. Stylites were common in the early days of the Byzantine Empire. The first known stylite was Simeon Stylites the Elder who climbed a pillar in Syria in 423 CE and remained there until his death 36 years later.