(Greek; " Worshipers ")
Sect of Jewish ascetics believed to have settled along Lake Mareotis near Alexandria in the 1st century AD.
Their origin and fate are unknown, and the only account of them is attributed to Philo Judaeus . They shared with the Essene s a dualistic view of the body and soul (see dualism ) but differed from them in that their objective was "wisdom." They viewed the scriptures as allegorical. Devoting themselves entirely to prayer and spiritual exercise, members lived in isolation for six days of the week and met on the Sabbath for discourse and a common meal.