The Therapeutae are an ancient Jewish ascetic community, shrouded in mystery and truly obscure. Much of what we know about them comes from the writings of Philo of Alexandria, a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher of the 1st century AD. In his work "De Vita Contemplativa" (On the Contemplative Life), Philo provides a detailed account of this enigmatic religious group, which has intrigued scholars for centuries since. What happened to the enigmatic Therapeutae, and what was their place in ancient history? Who Destroyed the Great Library of Alexandria? Egyptian Archaeologists unearth large black sarcophagus in Alexandria The Therapeutae Preserved in Ancient Writings The Therapeutae were primarily located near Lake Mareotis, close to Alexandria in Egypt. This city was a significant cultural and intellectual hub in the ancient world, home to a diverse population, including a substantial Jewish community. The city's cosmopolitan environment likely influenced the development of the Therapeutae, who were known for blending Jewish traditions with Hellenistic philosophies. The exact origins of the Therapeutae are unclear, but they are believed to have emerged around the early 1st century BC, flourishing until the 2nd century AD. Read moreSection: HistoryAncient TraditionsRead Later