Abstract: The article is devoted to the study of the tradition of stylitism, which originated in the V century in Syria. This practice is poorly studied in Western historiography and practically not studied in Russian historical science. Stylitism was an ascetic practice, which consisted in the fact that stylites spent their lives being on a high stone pillar. The tradition of stylites lasted for a long time and enjoyed great respect. The beginning of this tradition can be associated with Simeon Stylites, who climbed the pillar for the first time in 415 A.D. As a phenomenon, stylitism developed over many centuries, starting from the V century and up to the XI century, with some interruptions, especially after 900 A.D. In historical science, when studying stylitism, the emphasis is traditionally placed on the extremity of this type asceticism. At the same time, almost no attention is paid to the fact that stylites conducted their practice publicly, openly, taking an active part in the life of the society around them. This article uses the approach of considering stylitismas a social phenomenon, showing the connection of the origin and existence of stylitism with social changes. Stylitismis presented as an original phenomenon reflecting the reaction of society to social crises. Based on the existing research, an attempt is being made to show that thanks to the publicity of their harsh practices, stylites were able to perform important administrative functions so necessary for the development of a late Antique society.

Abstract: This article is dedicated to the study of activity of the saints in the area of justice during the Late Antiquity, and is structured upon the examination of theirs hagiographical works. The period of Late Antiquity, with its peculiar attitude towards the questions of crime and punishment and their social meaning is virtually out of the field of regards of modern historians. This article places emphasis no so much on the legal issues as on the social aspects of the practice of saints. The object of this research is the phenomenon of the saint, which emerged on the East of the Late Roman in the early IV century with the advent of the Christian monasticism and asceticism. The subject of this research is the practical activity of the saints associated with dispute settlement, conflict resolution, and crime prevention. The conclusion is made that the judicial activity of the saint reflects the perspective on justice that differs from the traditional systems. The saint uses an informal mechanism of mediation for reconcilement of adversaries and bringing them to a compromise. It is based on the need for a new outlook upon the problem of aggression that existed in society of the Late Antiquity, as key source of criminality. The actions of the saint are aimed at alleviation of human aggressiveness and rejection of violence and policy of frightening that were typical at that time, thereby preventing the offender from committing an offence. The main instrument in activity of the saint is the ability to accomplish a miracle, which reflects the power of the saint to overcome the traditional principles of justice.