Anastasius I was a Roman pope and priest who served as the bishop of Rome from late 399 until his death in 401. Born in Rome to Maximus, he succeeded Siricius. His papacy was defined by his theological stances, including his opposition to the works of Origen, which he condemned through a council in 400. He also supported efforts to combat Donatism in North Africa and established liturgical practices, such as instructing clergy to bow while reading the gospels.