St. Anthony of Egypt, also known as Saint Anthony the Great, was a Christian monk born around 251 AD in Coma, Egypt. He is often recognized as one of the founders of Christian monasticism. After hearing a sermon on the Rich Young Ruler from the Gospel, he decided to give away his possessions and live a life of solitude and prayer in the desert. Anthony's ascetic lifestyle attracted many followers, leading to the establishment of monastic communities. He is known for his struggles against temptation and is often depicted in art with symbols of these challenges. St. Anthony's influence on monasticism has made him a significant figure in Christian history.