Abstract
Monarchism started in Egypt during the IInd century and may have its roots in the forms of some Jewish sects. Saint Antony (236-347) created next to Alexandria what we call anachoretism. He organized a hermits' life. These men gather in communities called anchoret. They live alone but meet on Sunday's for the liturgical service. The organization is free and people can leave whenever they want. They just have to take vows of chastity, of poverty and to respect obedience to their spiritual father. This will become the three religious vows of obedience, chastity and poverty. On the last IVth century, these communities were about a hundred. In Egypt, Saint Pachomius launched the expansion of monasteries. In fact, Saint Pachomius created Coenobitism. Pachomius himself appointed the chiefs. When he died, there were 9 monasteries and 3 moniales (pour femmes). However, the system collapsed 50 years after. In a nutshell, these two forms of monastic life will remain the matrix of the future orders.
