Chained woman buried near Jerusalem in 5th-century was an ascetic?

"EXTREME ASCETICISM": Woman buried with chains near Jerusalem shows first evidence of female asceticism in Byzantine era. Researchers found the remains of the ascetic individual bound in chains. Small metal plates and a tiny cross were found near the abdomen of the skeleton (Jerusalem Post).

During excavations at Khirbat el-Masani, a Byzantine monastery dating from 350 to 650 CE, several tombs were uncovered. Among these burials, researchers found a poorly preserved skeleton wrapped in heavy metal chains—a practice linked to extreme asceticism. Initially, the remains were assumed to belong to a male ascetic due to the traditional association of this type of penance with men. However, scientific analysis published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports confirms the remains belonged to a woman.

To determine the sex of the individual, researchers employed peptide analysis on the enamel of the only remaining tooth, specifically the second premolar of the upper jaw. ...

Wow. This is the first I've heard of this interment practice for anyone, man or woman.

Cross-file under Technology Watch.

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