Montanism was a Christian movement that emerged in the late 2nd century, founded by a prophet named Montanus in Phrygia, present-day Turkey. The movement emphasized direct revelations from the Holy Spirit, claiming that God was speaking through Montanus and his followers, including two women, Priscilla and Maximilla. Montanism advocated for a strict moral code and the imminent return of Christ, which attracted both followers and critics. Early church leaders viewed it as a challenge to established authority and doctrine, leading to its eventual decline by the 4th century, although its emphasis on prophecy influenced later Christian thought.