Melania the Elder was a wealthy Roman aristocrat who became a prominent figure in the early Christian ascetic movement. Born in Hispania around 350, she eventually renounced her immense riches to live a life of devotion. She traveled to Egypt to support monks in the Nitrian Desert and later settled in Jerusalem. As a dedicated follower of Origen, she established monastic communities on the Mount of Olives, including a double monastery that housed both monks and nuns.