Macarius of Alexandria was a 4th-century monk and presbyter who lived in the Nitrian Desert of Egypt. Born in Alexandria, he worked as a merchant of confections until his baptism at age 40, after which he entered ascetic life. Often referred to as Macarius the Younger to distinguish him from his contemporary, he eventually served as the prior of a monastery in the Kellii. He is remembered as a significant desert ascetic who led thousands of monks and practiced extreme fasting and humility.