Gerontius (c. 395–c. 485 CE) is better known as a fervent anti-Chalcedonian monk, a fellow pilgrim of Melania the Younger (Melania Junior) on the Holy Land, and eventually her successor in the monasteries she founded on the Mount of Olives. He is also recognized by the majority of scholars as the most probable author of Melania’s life (Vita Melaniae Junioris).

No source attests exactly the date and place of his birth or death. He was apparently born circa 395 CE, in Jerusalem, and died in the region of Palestine ar…