# Pachomius founds communal monasticism (c. 320)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/320-pachomius-founds-communal-monasticism
Location: Tabennisi, Egypt
Themes: Monasticism

Pachomius establishes a monastery at Tabennisi governed by a written rule, the origin of cenobitic monastic life. At this point in the timeline (c. 320), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Sylvester I (31 January 314 – 31 December 335).

## Why it matters
Pachomius founds communal monasticism mattered because it shaped the religious life of monks, nuns and orders who carried learning, prayer and charity through the centuries.

Pope at the time: [Pope Sylvester I](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-sylvester-i)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Pachomius the Great](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pachomius_the_Great)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Pachomius founds communal monasticism](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Pachomius+founds+communal+monasticism)
- [Wikipedia — Age Of Councils (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_seven_ecumenical_councils)